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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

University  of  North  Carolina  at  Chapel  Hil 


http://archive.org/details/girlimpersonatio50sche 


Werner's 
Readings  and  Recitations 

No.  50 


(Strl  ^mpcrsuttcitmtts 


WRITTEN,    COMPILED,    OR    ARRANGED    BY 

STANLEY  SCHEIX 


u 


EDGAR  S.  WERNER  &  COMPANY 

NEW  YORK 


Copyright,    1912,   by   Edgar   S.    "Werner 


WERNER'S 

READINGS  AND  RECITATIONS 

NO.  50 


PART  I. 
PROSE  IMPERSONATIONS:    Monologues,  Recitals. 

PART  II. 
VERSE  IMPERSONATIONS:    Monologues,  Recitals. 

PART  III. 
PLAYS:     Exercises,  Drills,  Tableaux,  Pantomimes. 


SPECIAL  NOTICE 


This  book  is  protected  by  copyright.  All  rights 
are  reserved.  The  prose  selections,  plays,  and  many 
of  the  poems,  were  either  written,  re-written,  or  ar- 
ranged by  Stanley  Schell,  specially  for  this  book. 
No  one  must  publish  or  copy  in  any  form  any  selec- 
tion contained  herein. 


Werner's  Readings  No.   50 — page  2. 


ALPHABETICAL  CONTENTS 


PAGE 

Adopting  a  Grandmother. —  [2  parts.] 35 

Afternoon  Tea. — Abby  Farwell  Brown   88 

Alphabet.— [Play  for  27.] 175 

Artist   65 

At  Church 58 

At  Home   59 

Bad  Dream  64 

Baking  for  the  Party. — Grace  Livingston  Hill 104 

Bessie's  View  of  Things  34 

Child's  Fancies. — Jennie  L.  Lyall 63 

Children's  New  Prayer. — William  Canton   192 

Christmas-Tree    146 

City  Girl   107 

Conjugation. —  [Exercise  for  4.]    , 162 

Country  Girl 108 

Dear  Little  Goose. — Mary  Mapes  Dodge 69 

Dicky's  Christmas    27 

Doll  Sale  and  Party. — [Exercise  for  25.] 131 

Doll  Topsy 76 

Doll's  Wedding 87 

Dolly's  Mamma 72 

Dreadful  Mistake   : 73 

Easter  Tableaux. —  [12  girls.]   138 

Fairies'  Festival. —  [Exercise  for  8.] 185 

Family  Affair.— [8  lines.]   73 

Flowers. — [4  lines.]    68 

Forest  Is  My  Home. —  [Song — music  given.] 130 

Friday — Cleaning  Day 54 

Friday — Sweeping  Day. —  [Tableau,  pantomime,  lg.,  2  dolls] .  152 

Friends  :  Black  and  White  .  .  . .' 31 

Fun  at  Grandma's ." 23 

Getting  Ready  for  School. — Juliet  Wilbor  Tompkins 123 

Girl's  View  of  Men  and  Women. —  [10  lines.] 33 

Werner's   Readings   No.    50 — page   3. 


r> 


ALPHABETICAL  CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Grammar  as  Taught  in  Fairyland. — [16  girls.] 158 

Grandma's  Posy-Bowl. —  [4  lines.] — Delia  Hart  Stone 55 

Growing  Old 75 

Guess  What  I'm  Doing. —  [2  lines.]   105 

Guess  Who. — Nellie  R.  Cameron 84 

He  Said  an  Awful  Thing 32 

Her  Reasons 76 

Her  View  of  Boys.— [8  lines.]     , 62 

How  Maud  Kept  Watch 116 

How  the  Girls  Played  School.— [Play  for  9.]  180 

I  Am  but  a  Little  Girl 79 

I  Am  Seven  and  Can  Sew. — Mary  L.  B.  Branch 82 

I  Wish  I  Was  an  Angel. Ill 

If  Dolls  Were  Real.— [4  lines.]    179 

If  Men  Were  So  Wicked.— [4  lines.]— Oliver  Wendell  Holmes  32 

If  No  One  Ever  Marries  Me. — Laurens  Alma-Tadema 77 

If  Not  Quite  True,  It  Ought  to  Be.— Margaret  Eytinge 78 

I'll  Only  Say  Good-Bye.— [2  lines.] 30 

I'm  Glad  I  Am  a  Little  Girl 79 

I'm  Tired  of  Being  a  Little  Girl  59 

"I'm  Hurried,  Child" 81 

It.— Albert  Bigelow  Paine    80 

Jack  Frost's  Little  Sister. — Carrie  W.  Bronson 121 

July  Fourth. — [4  girls.]    163 

Katie's  Cares 124 

"Lazy  Folks  Take  the  Most  Pains" 82 

Learning  Their  Letters   74 

Lesson  for  Mamma. — Sydney  Dayre 69 

Little  Angel 86 

Little  Busy-Body .— Mrs.  L.  G.  Morse 60 

Little  Gipsy  Girl. —  [With  directions  and  music] 129 

Little  Girl's  Request 117 

Little  Helper. — Pauline  Frances  Camp 87 

Little  Housekeeper. — Kate  Allyn 85 

Little  Mischief.— Sister  M.  Stella  114 

Werner's   Readings   No.    50. — page   4. 


ALPHABETICAL  CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Little  Sinner  Repents. —  [With  directions.]    127 

Little  Teacher 20 

Lonesome  Little  Girl 89 

Lost  Penknife. —  [4  girls.]    137 

Love. — [Acrostic]    172 

Love  One,  Love  All 145 

Lovely  Concert 33 

Making   Calls    66 

Maud's  Problem   f 90 

May-Basket  Time. — [Exercise  for  5  or  more.] 172 

Merrily,  Merrily. — [Tune  suggested.]    147 

Merry  Little  Toodlekins. — John  Brind    93 

Ministers ~  61 

Miss  Edith  Comforts  Brother  Jack. — Bret  Harte 118 

Modern  Fairy  Story 83 

Monday — Washing  Day 48 

Monday — Washing  Day. — [Tableau  and  pantomime  for  2.] .  .  149 

Mother's  May-Day. — Margaret  J.  Stannard 92 

My  Brain  Is  in  a  Muddle 158 

My  Dolly.— [6  lines.]    91 

My  Dolly  Is  a  Japanese. — [2  lines.] 46 

My  Grandma. — Anna  Paschall 97 

My  Grandmamma. — Eva  March  Tappan 95 

My  Mamma. — Estelle  W.  Crampton 96 

My  Mother    98 

My  Ten  Dollies.— May  Byron 67 

Nations'  Christmas  Meeting. —  [Exercise  for  7.] 155 

Naughty  Girl. — [8  lines.] — Augusta  Kortrecht 62 

Nearly  Ten   99 

Nellie's  Missionary  Gift    39 

Nelly  Tells  How  Baby  Came. — Thomas  S.  Collier 95 

New  Parasol. —  [With  directions.]    100 

Not  a  Heart  Here  but  Rejoices. — [Tune  suggested.] 149 

"Nothing  to  Wear."— Ellen  Manly 126 

Observations  of  Little  Katie 26 

Werner's   Readings  No.    50. — page   5. 


ALPHABETICAL  CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Oh,  I'm  My  Grandpa's  Girl.— H.  U.  Johnson 120 

Old-Fashioned  Garden. — [Flower  Play  for  any  number.] ....  140 

Old  Santa  Claus. — [Exercise  for  5.] 146 

One  Week  in  a  Mother's  Life. — [Exercise  for  any  number.]  .  149 

Only  Five.— [4  lines.]    52 

Only  Sleeping  Dogs  May  Lie. — J.  L.  Armor 127 

Origin  'of  the  '  Spider   .  . . ' 29 

Other  Little  Girl. — Blanche  Trennor  Heath 100 

Palm  Drill— [9  girls.]    166 

Papa's  Calendar. — Abby  Farwell  Brown   122 

Parts  of  Speech. — [Exercise  for  10.] 159 

Party.— [24  girls.] 135 

Pawning  Her  Dolly  47 

Policeman,  The  106 

Praying  for  Father 21 

Preparing  for  the  Speaking  Contest   16 

Queen  of  the  Flowers. — [Play  for  13  or  more.] 187 

Sale.— [25  girls.] .131 

Santa  Claus  at  School. — [Play  for  any  number.] 142 

Saturday — Baking  Day  56 

Saturday — Scrubbing  and  Baking  Day. —  [Tab.,  pan.,  for  2.] .  152 

School  of  Our  Lord. —  [Children's  Day,  for  14  or  more.]  .  . .  164 

Shall  I  Be  Like  Grandma? 102 

She  Can  Sew    86 

Since  Papa  Doesn't  Drink — Nixon  Waterman 107 

Since  Will  Turned  into  a  Boy.-— F.  A.  Steele 94 

Slumber  Song. — [Tune  suggested.] 136 

Smallness  of  Some  People. — [2  girls.]    157 

So  Very  Queer. — Zitella  Cocke   117 

Sportive,  Spying  Barbara  37 

Sunday — Day  of  Rest. — [3-part  monologue.] 57 

Sunday — Resting  Day. — [Tableau,  pantomime,  lg.,  3  dolls.] .  153 

Talking  to  a  Chicken.— Mary  F.  Burfitt 112 

Temperance. — [6  lines.]    : .  . .  80 

Thanksgiving  Day  Dinner. —  [Exercise  for  11.] 17^ 

Werner's  Readings  No.    50 — page   6. 


ALPHABETICAL  CONTEXTS 

PAGE 

Three  Kisses. —  [4  lines.]    , 122 

Three  Wonderful  Things. — [Easter  exercise  for  3.] 174 

Thursday— "At  Home"  Day 53 

Thursday — Visiting  Day. —  [Tableau,  pantomime,  any  num.]  151 

To  Mothers.—  [5  lines.]    40 

Trying  to  Tell  a  Story 23 

Tuesday — Ironing  Day 50 

Tuesday — Ironing  Day. —  [Tableau,  pantomime,  lg.  and  doll.]  150 

Twins  Give  Thanks   41 

Two  Little  Girls.— [(1)  City  Girl.    (2)  Country  Girl] 107 

Unhappy  Little  Girl 109 

Value  of  Smiles.— J,  W.  Foley 110 

Washing-Day    71 

Way  Girls  Study 13 

We  Are  Going,  Xow. — [Tune  suggested.] 179 

Wednesday — Mending   Day    51 

Wednesday — Mending  Day. —  [Tab.,  pan.,  lg.,  2  dolls.] 150 

What  Became  of  the  Kitten 22 

What  I  Have.— [10  lines.]   ' 65 

What  Shall  Baby's  Name  Be  ? 101 

When  Grandma  Was  a  Little  Girl. — Edward  Oldham Ill 

When  Mother  Is  Away. — Eva  Earll  Furlong 113 

Whispering  Bird. — [Pantomime  for  any  num.  of  couples.]  .  190 

Who  Broke  the  Eggs?   112 

Who  I  Love.— [4  lines.]    66 

Words  of  Welcome.— [2  lines.] 108,  110 

Would  Rather  Write  Plays 43 

Young  School  Reformer. — Lou  Boyce  Hayden 124 


Werner's  Readings  Xo.    50 — page  7. 


CLASSIFIED  CONTENTS 


ACTION  POEMS 

pag: 
(For  "Action   Prose,"   see   "Mono 
logues.") 

Bad  Dream    64 

Baking  for  the   Party 104 

Christmas-Tree    146 

Katie's  Cares   124 

Little  Sinner  Repents 127 

Making   Calls    66 

My  Brain  Is  in  a  Muddle 158 

Nearly  Ten    99 

New    Parasol    100 

"Nothing  to  Wear"   126 

Two  Little  Girls:  1.  City  Girl;  2. 

Country  Girl    107 

What  I  Have— 10  lines 65 

ARBOR  DAY 
Bessie's  View  of  Things — prose.  34 
Easter  Tableaux — drill  &  tableau.138 

Flowers — 4  lines    68 

Grandma's  Posy-Bowl — 4  lines..  55 

Little  Girl's   Request   117 

Mother's    May-Day    92 

Old-Fashioned   Garden — any  no. 140 

Palm  Drill— 9g 166 

Queen  of  the    Flowers — prose — 

13g. 187 

Whispering     Bird — pantomime — 

couples    190 

BIRTHDAYS  AND  WEDDINGS 

Dear  Little  Goose 69 

Doll's  Wedding  87 

Growing   Old    75 

I  Am  Seven  and  Can  Sew 82 

It  80 

Lonesome  Little  Girl 89 

Nearly  Ten    99 

Only  Five — 4  lines   52 

Temperance — 6  lines    80 

What  Shall  Baby's  Name  Be?.. 101 

(See  also  "Mother's  Day,"  "Fath- 
er's Day,"  "Grandparents'  Day.") 
BLOSSOM  DAY 
(See   "Arbor   Day.") 
CHILDREN'S  DAY 
School  of  Our  Lord — any  no...  164 

CHRISTMAS 

Christmas-Tree    146 

Dicky's    Christmas — prose 27 

Doll  Sale  and  Party— 25g 131 

Dolly's  Mamma  72 

Werner's  Readings 


CHRISTMAS.— Continued. 

PAGE 

Fames     Festival — 8g 185 

Family   Affair— 8   lines 73 

Fun  at  Grandma's — prose 23 

Love  One,  Love  All 145 

Making  Calls   66 

Merrily,   Merrily— tune  su'gest'd.147 

My   Dolly — 6   lines 91 

Nations'  Christmas  Meeting — 7g.l55 
Not  a  Heart  Here  but  Rejoices — 

tune  suggested   149 

Old  Santa  Claus— 5g 146 

Santa  Claus  at  School — prose  and 

verse — any   no 142 

Since  Papa  Doesn't  Drink 107 

Who  I   Love — 4  lines 66 

DOLL  STORIES 

Afternoon  Tea 88 

Baking  for  the  Party  104 

Doll  Sale  and  Party— prose— 25g.l31 

Doll  Topsy    76 

Doll's   Wedding   87 

Dolly's  Mamma  72 

Friday — Cleaning  Day — prose   ..  54 
Friends  :  Black  and  White— prose  31 

Katie's  Cares   124 

If  Dolls  Were  Real— 2g 179 

Little  Housekeeper  85 

Little  Teacher — prose  20 

Making   Calls    66 

Monday — Washing  Day — prose..    48 

My   Dolly— 6   lines 91 

My  Dolly  Is  a  Japanese— 2  lines  46 

My  Ten   Dollies    67 

"Nothing  to  Wear" 126 

One  Week  in  a  Mother's  Life — 
any  no. — each  day  pictured.  .149 

Party— 24g 135 

Pawning  Her  Dolly — prose 47 

Sale— 25g 131 

Saturday — Baking  Day — prose.  .  56 

She  Can  Sew 86 

Sportive,  Spying  Barbara — prose  37 

Sunday — Day  of  Rest — prose "57 

Thursday— "At    Home"    Day- 
prose    53 

Tuesday — Ironing  Day — prose  . .  50 

Unhappy   Little    Girl , 109 

Wednesday  —  Mending       Day  — 

nrose    51 

When  Mother  Is  Away 113 

No.  50 — page  8. 


CLASSIFIED  COXTEXTS 


DRILLS 

PAGE 

Easter   Tableaux — drill   and   tab- 
leaux— 12g 138 

Palm  Drill — drill  and  dance — 9g.l66 

EASTER 
Easter   Tableaux — drill   and   tab- 
leaux— 12g 138 

Palm  Drill — drill  and  dance — 9g.l66 

Talking  to  a  Chicken 112 

Three  Wonderful  Things — 3g...l74 

Who  Broke  the  Eggs? 112 

FATHERS'  DAY 
If  Men  Were  So  Wicked— 4  lines  32 

Papa's  Calendar   122 

Praying  for  Father — prose 21 

Since  Papa  Doesn't  Drink 107 

FLOWER  DAY 

(See  "Arbor  Day.") 

GRANDPARENTS'   DAY 

Adopting  a  Grandmother — prose  35 

Fun  at  Grandma's — prose 23 

Grandma's  Posy-Bowl — 4  lines..   55 

My  Grandma  97 

My  Grandmamma  95 

"Nothing  to  Wear" 126 

Oh,  I'm  My  Grandpa's  Girl 120 

Shall  I  Be  Like  Grandma?. ....  .102 

When    Grandma    Was    a    Little 

Girl    Ill 

HOME    DAY 
(See   also  "Doll   Stories.") 

Growing  Old   

Guess  What  I'm  Doing — 2  lines. 

Her  Reasons   

How  Maud  Kept  Watch 

I'm  Tired  of  Being  a  Little  Girl 

— 4  lines    

It    


75 

105 

76 

11(3 

59 
80 

Jack  Frost's  Little  Sister 121 

Katie's    Cares    124 

Little   Angel    86 

Little  Helper   87 

Little  Housekeeper  85 

Little   Mischief   114 

Little  Sinner  Repents    127 

Love  One,  Love  All 145 

Miss     Edith     Comforts     Brother.  . 

Jack    118 

My  Brain  Is  in  a  Muddle 158 

My  Grandma    97 

My  Grandmamma  95 

Naughty  Girl — 8  lines 62 


HOME  DAY.— Continued. 

PAGE 

Nelly  Tells  How  Baby  Came...   95 

Oh,  I'm  My  Grandpa's  Girl 120 

Other  Little  Girl   . 100 

Shall  I  Be  Like  Grandma? 102 

Since  Will  Turned  into  a  Boy..   94 

So  Very   Queer    117 

Three   Kisses — 4  lines   122 

Value  of  Smiles   110 

Washing-Day    /\ 

What  Shall  Baby's  Name  Be?!!l01 
When    Grandma    Was    a    Little 

Girl    Hi 

Who  Broke  the  Eggs?  112 

Who  I  Love   66 

HUMOR,   COMEDY 

Bad  Dream    64 

Bessie's  View  of  Things — prose.  34 

Dear  Little  Goose   69 

Doll's  Wedding  87 

Dolly's  Mamma   72 

Dreadful   Mistake    73 

Fun  at  Grandma's — prose 23 

Girl's  View  of  Men  and  Women 

— prose     33 

Growing  Old    75 

Guess  What  I'm  Doing — 2  lines.  105 

Guess  Who    84 

He  Said  an  Awful  Thing — prose  32 
Her     View     of     Boys — prose — 8 

lines     62 

I  Am  Seven  and  Can  Sew 82 

If  Men  Were  So  Wicked— 4  lines  32 
If  No.  One  Ever  Marries  Me.  .  .  .  77 
If  Not  Quite  True,  It  Ought  to 

.  Be    78 

Katie's   Cares    124 

"Lazy     Folks     Take    the     Most 

Pains"    82 

Little  Busy-Body — prose   60 

Little  Housekeeper   85 

Little  Mischief  114 

Little  Teacher — prose  20 

Lovely  Concert — prose   33 

Maud's  Problem   90 

Minister's — prose    61 

Modern   Fairy  Story 83 

My  Brain  Is  in  a   Muddle 158 

Naughty  Girl — 8  lines   62 

Observations    of    Little    Katie — 

prose    26 

Oh,  I'm  My  Grandpa's  Girl..  ...120 
Only  Sleeping  Dogs  May  Lie...  127 


Werner's  Readings  No.   50 — page  9 


CLASSIFIED  CONTENTS 


HUMOR,     COMEDY.— Continued. 

PAGE 

Other  Little  Girl   100 

Papa's  Calendar  122 

Preparation    for    Speaking    Con- 
test— prose    16 

Sportive,  Spying  Barbara — prose  37 
Trying  to  Tell  a  Story — prose..  23 

Way  Girls  Study — prose   13 

What   Became    of  the    Kitten — 

prose     22 

Would     Rather     Write     Plays- 
prose    43 

JULY  FOURTH 

July  Fourth^g 163 

JUNE   SUNDAY 

(See  "Arbor   Day.") 

LABOR  DAY 

Artist    65 

Baking  for  the   Party   104 

I  Am  Seven  and  Can  Sew 82 

Friday — Cleaning  Day — prose...  54 

Katie's    Cares    124 

Learning  Their  Letters   74 

Little    Helper    87 

Little   Housekeeper    85 

Monday — Washing    Day-r— prose.  48 
One  Week  in  a  Mother's  Life — 

each  day's  work  149 

Origin  of  the  Spider — prose 29 

Policeman    106 

Saturday — Baking    Day — prose..   56 

She  Can   Sew   86 

Tuesday — Ironing    Day — prose..  50 

Washing-Day    71 

Wednesday  —  Mending       Day  — 

prose    51 

LINCOLN    DAY 

Doll  Topsy   76 

Friends  :  Black  and  White — prose  31 

MAY  DAY 
May-Basket  Time — 5  or  more  g.172 

Mother's  May-Day  92 

Queen   of  the    Flowers — prose — 

13g 187 

MINISTERS 

Ministers — prose    61 

Nellie's   Missionary  Gift — prose.  39 
Sportive,  Spying  Barbara — prose  37 

MONOLOGUES 
Adopting  a  Grandmother — prose 

— pathos     35 

At  Church — prose — serious   58 


At  Home — prose — serious  59 


MONOLOGUES.— Continued. 

PAGE 

Baking  for  the  Party — humor... 104 
Dicky's  Christmas — prose — serio- 
comic      27 

Dolly's   Mamma — humor    72 

Dreadful    Mistake — humor 73 

Friday — Cleaning     Day  —  prose 

serious    54 

Friends :      Black     and     White — 

prose — serio-comic    31 

Growing  Old — humor    75 

How  Maud  Kept  Watch — humor. 116 
"I'm  Hurried,  Child" — pathos...  81 

Katie's  Cares — serio-comic   124 

Learning  Their  Letters — humor  74 
Lesson  for  Mamma — serious....  69 
Little  Girl's  Request — serious. .  .117 
Little   Housekeeper — serious    ...  85 

Little   Mischief— humor    114 

Little  Sinner  Repents — serious..  127 
Little  Teacher — prose — humor..  20 
Lovely   Concert— prose — humor.    33 

Making  Calls — humor  66 

Maud's    Problems — serious    90 

Miss     Edith     Comforts    Brother 

Jack — serious     118 

Nelly  Tells  How  Baby  Came. . . .  95 
"Nothing  to  Wear" — serious  ...126 
Origin  of  the  Spider — prose — le- 
gendary      29 

Pawning  Her  Dolly — prose — pa- 
thos     47 

Policeman — serious 106 

Praying    for    Father — prose — pa- 
thos— temperance    21 

Preparing  for  Speaking  Contest 

— prose  and  verse — humor...  16 
Saturday — Baking    Day — prose — 

serious    56 

Shall  I   Be  Like  Grandma? — pa- 
thos     102 

She  Can  Sew — serious 86 

Sportive,  Spying  Barbara — prose 

— humor    37 

Sunday — Day    of    Rest — prose — 

serious    57 

Talking  to  a  Chicken — humor... 112 
Thursday — "At     Home"     Day — 

prose — serio-comic    53 

Trying  to  Tell  a  Story — prose — 

humor    23 

Tuesday — Ironing    Day — prose — 
serious    50 


Werner's  Readings  No.  50 — page  10. 


CLASSIFIED  CONTENTS 


MONOLOGUES.— Continued. 

PAGE 

Twins   Give   Thanks — prose — pa- 
thos— religious    41 

Washing  Day — serious   71 

Way  Girls  Study — prose — humor  13 
Wednesday — Mending    Day — se- 
rious      51 

What    Became    of    the    Kitten — 

prose — humor    22 

Who    Broke    the    Eggs? — serio- 
comic     112 

Would     Rather    Write     Plays- 
prose — humor    43 

Young    School    Reformer — seri- 
ous  124 

MOTHERS'  DAY 

Family  Affair — 8  lines    73 

Friday — Cleaning  Day — prose...  54 

I  Am  but  a  Little  Girl 79 

I  Am  Seven  and  Can  Sew 82 

"I'm    Hurried,    Child" 81 

Lesson  for  Mamma  69 

Little  Helper   87 

Little    Housekeeper    85 

Little  Mischief  114 

Little    Sinner    Repents 127 

Lonesome  Little  Girl   89 

Monday — Washing    Day — prose.  48 

Mother's  May-Day  92 

My   Mamma    96 

My  Mother    98 

Nearly  Ten    99 

Nelly  Tells  How  Baby  Came...  95 

New    Parasol    100 

One  Week  in  a  Mother's  Life — 

any  no 149 

Policeman    106 

Saturday — Baking   Day — prose  . .  56 

Since  Papa  Doesn't  Drink 107 

Sporting,  Spying  Barbara — prose  37 
Sunday — Day  of  Rest — prose  ...  57 
Thursday — "At     Home"     Day — 

prose    53 

To  Mothers— 5  lines    40 

Tuesday — Ironing  Day — prose  . .  50 

Value  of  Smiles  110 

Washing  Day  71 

Wednesday  —  Mending      Day  — 

prose    51 

When  Mother  Is  Away 113 

PANTOMIMES 
One  Week  in  a  Mother's  Life — 

for  any  no 149 

Whispering  Bird — any  no 190 


PATHOS 

PAGE 

Jack    Frost's    Little    Sister 121 

Lonesome  Little  Girl   89 

Unhappy   Little   Girl 109 

When  Mother  Is  Away 113 

(See   "Monologues,"    "Recitals.") 
PLAYS,   DIALOGUES,   EXER- 
CISES 
Alphabet — prose — 27g  or  13b,14g.l75 

Conjugation — 4g 162 

Doll  Sale  and  Party— prose— 25g.l31 

Fairies'  Festival — 8g 185 

Grammar   as     Taught    in    Fairy- 
land— prose  and  verse — 16g. ..158 
How  the  Girls   Played  School- 


prose — b 


180 


If  Dolls  Were  Real— 2g 179 


163 
137 
173 


135 
154 


July   Fourth 

Lost   Penknife — prose 

Love  :   Acrostic— 4g.    , 

May-Basket  Time — 5  or  more  g.172 

Nations'   Christmas  Meeting — 7g.l55 

Old- Fashioned  Garden — any  no.  140 

Old  Santa  Claus — 5g 146 

Parts  of  Speech— 9g 159 

Party — 24g 

Pets— 2g 

Queen    of  the   Flowers — prose — 

13g 187 

Sale— 25g 131 

Santa   Claus   at   School — prose — 

any  no 142 

School  of  Our  Lord — any  no....  164 
Smallness     of    Some     People — 8 

lines — 2g 154 

Thanksgiving  Day  Dinner — llg.,170 

Three   Wonderful   Things — 3g...l74 

RECITALS 

Afternoon  Tea — serious   88 

Artist — humor    65 

Bad  Dream — serio-comic   64 

Bessie's  View  of  Things — prose 

— serious    34 

Child's  Fancies — visionary 63 

Dear  Little  Goose — humor  69 

Doll  Topsy — humor  76 

Fun     at     Grandma's — prose — hu- 
mor      23 

Getting  Ready  for  School — serio- 
comic     123 

Girl's  View  of  Men  and  Women 

— prose — humor    33 

Guess   Who — humor    ..,,.,..,..  84 


Werner's  Readings  No.  5(Wpage  11. 


Valentine's 


78 


BECITAIiS. — Continued. 

PAGE 

He  Said  an  Awful  Thing — prose 

— serio-comic     32 

Her   Reasons — serio-comic    76 

Her  View  of  Boys — prose — brief 

humor    62 

I  Am  but  a  Little  Girl — serious.  79 
I  Am  Seven  and  Can  Sew — seri- 
ous      82 

If  No  One   Ever  Marries   Me — 

serio-comic    77 

If  not  Quite  True,  It_  Ought  to 
Be — humor  —  St 

Day    

I'm   Glad   I   Am  a 

serio-comic     79 

It — serio-comic   80 

Jack  Frost's  Little  Sister — tragic. 121 
"Lazy     Folks     Take     the     Most 

Pains" — moralistic    82 

Little  Angel — new  baby — leg'dary  86 
Little  Busy-Body — prose — humor  60 
Little  Gipsy  Girl — sing'g,  danc'g.129 

Little  Helper — serious    87 

Lonesome  Little  Girl — pathos...  89 
Love  One,  Love  All — Christmas. 145 
Merry  Little  Toddlekins — humor  93 

Ministers — prose — humor    61 

Modern  Fairy  Story — visionary.  83 
Mother's   May-Day — ret'spective.  92 

My  Grandmamma — serious  97 

My  Mamma — serious    96 

My  Mother — serious   98 

My  Ten  Dollies — serio-comic   . .  67 

Nearly  Ten — serio-comic    99 

Nellie's    Missionary    Gift — prose 

— serio-comic    39 

New   Parasol — serio-comic    100 

Observations    of    Little    Katie — 

prose — humor    26 

Oh,  I'm  My  Grandpa's  Girl 120 

Only  Sleeping  Dogs  May  Lie — 

serio-comic    127 

Other  Little  Girl— serious  100 

Papa's    Calendar — serio-comic . . .  122 
Since  Papa  Doesn't  Drink — tem- 
perance     107 

Since  Will  Turned  into  a  Boy — 

serious    94 

So  Very  Queer — serious  117 

Unhappy  Little  Girl — pathos  ...109 

Value    of   Smiles — serious 110 

What  Shall  Baby's  Name  Be?— 
serious    101 


CLASSIFIED  CONTENTS 

RECITALS.— Continued. 

PAGE 

When   Grandma    Was    a    Little 

Girl — serio-comic     Ill 

When  Mother  Is  Away — pathos.  113 

SCHOOL  PICTURES 

Alphabet— 27g.,  or  13b.,  14g 175 

Conjugation— 4g 162 

Getting  Ready  for  School 123 

Grammar  as  Taught  in  Fairyland 

— prose  and  verse — 16g 158 

How   the    Girls     Played     School 

— prose — 9g 180 

I'll  Only  Say  Good-Bye— 2  lines  30 

Learning  Their  Letters   74 

Little  Teacher — prose   20 

Lost    Penknife — prose — 4g 137 

Love:   Acrostic— 4g 173 

Merry  Little  Toddlekins 93 

Only  Five — 4  lines   52 

Parts  of  Speech— 9g 159 

Preparing  for  the  Speaking  Con- 
test— prose    16 

Santa    Claus   at   School — prose — 

any  no 142 

So  Very  Queer 117 

Way  Girls  Study — prose  &  verse  13 
Words  of  Welcome— 2  1.  ea.108,  110 

SONGS 
Forest  Is  My  Home — wds., music. 130 
Merrily,     Merrily  —  Christmas  — 

tune  suggested  147 

Not  a  Heart  Here  but  Rejoices 

— Christmas — tune  suggested. 149 
Slumber  Song — tune  suggested.  136 
We  Are  Going  Now — tune  sug..l79 

ST.   VALENTINE'S    DAY 

If  No  One  Ever  Marries  Me 77 

If  Not  Quite  True,  It  Ought  to  Be  78 

TABLEAUX 
Easter  Tableaux — drill  and  tab- 
leaux—12g ....138 

One  Week  in  a  Mother's  Life — 
tableaux  &  panto. — any  no...  149 
TEMPERANCE 

Praying  for  Father — prose 21 

Since  Papa  Doesn't  Drink 107 

Temperance — 6  lines    80 

THANKSGIVING  DAY 
Thanksgiving  Day  Dinner — llg.170 

WASHINGTON  DAY 
Guess    Who — Martha    Washing- 
ton   84 


Werner's  Readings  No.  50 — page  12. 


Werner's 

Readings  and  Recitadons 

No.  50 


Copyright,    1912,   by   Edgar  S.   Werner 


PART  I. 
GIRL   PROSE  IMPERSONATIONS 


WAY  GIRLS  STUDY. 


I 


[Girl,  seated  at  table,  stage  center,  with  books  scattered  about  and 
spread  open  at  places  she  must  study,  holds  open  book  and  is  frown- 
ing heavily.     Girl  chum  is  supposed  to  come  in  later.] 

DON'T  see  why  Miss  Brown  gives  us  so  much  arithmetic. 

I've  said  that  table  over  three  times  and  don't  know  it  yet. 

[Gets  up  and  walks  floor  while  studying  as  follows:] 

"8  times  one  are  8" — 
Dear  me,  I  wish  I  could  go  out  and  skate. 

"8  times  2  are  16" — 
Wasn't  Nellie's  dress  a  dream? 

"8  times  3  are  24"— 
Dear  me,  I  wish  old  Jack  wouldn't  snore. 

"8  times  4  are  32"— 
I  really  do  think  a  lot  of  Sue. 

"8  times  5  are  forty" — 
Old  Jack,  you  are  very  naughty. 

"8  times  6  are  48"— 
There  is  Nell  outside  the  gate. 

"8  times  9  are  72"— 
There  must  be  something  in  my  shoe. 

"8  times  10  are  80"— 
Oh,  this  makes  my  head  so  achy. 

"8  times  11  are  88"— 
Soon  I'll  write  this  on  my  slate. 

"8  times  12  are  96"— 
Hurrah !  I'm  through  that  horrid  mix. 
13 


14  WERNER'S  READINGS 

Thank  goodness,  that's  clone;  now  I  can  study  my  geography. 

[Throws  book  into  chair,  grabs  geography;  tramps  up 
and  down  as  before,  but  this  time  pats  belt  occasionally  as 
she  studies.] 

"A  river  is  a  stream  of  water  flowing  through  the  land" — 
I  wish  I  were  down  by  the  river  now.    I'd  wade  knee  deep. 

"A  mountain  is  a  high  elevation  of  land" — ■ 
That's  where  I  wish  we  were  now,  gathering  wild-flowers. 

"A  lake  is  an  inland  sea  or  a  body  of  water  surrounded  by 
land"— 
Why,  that's  almost  like  an  island — oh,  no,  it  isn't. 

"An  island  is  a  body  of  land  entirely  surrounded  by  water" — 
A  lake  and  an  island  are  just  turned  around,  one  is  water  and  the 
other  is  land,  with  something  around  them. 

Thank  goodness,  that's  all  the  new  lesson  she  gave.  Now,  I'll 
review,  and  my  geography  is  done — but,  here's  Nellie.  Say, 
Nellie,  let's  review  our  geography  lesson  together.  Know  yours? 
You're  smart.  Then  hear  me  say  mine.  All  right,  I'll  study  my 
spelling  then,  and  you  can  go  over  the  history. 

[Puts  geography  on  chair  and  picks  up  another  book 
which  she  appears  to  hand  to  other  girl.  Goes  to  table  and 
picks  up  another  book  and  studies  aloud.  Pats  herself  at 
front  belt  in  time  with  words  spelled.'] 

"Kitchen — Kit-chen — Kitchen" — a  good  place  to  be. 

"Kitchen— Kit-chen — Kitchen." 
"Stove — S-t-o-v-e — Stove" — a  good  place  to  bake. 

"  Stove— S-t-o-v-e— Stove." 
"Cooking — Cook-ing — Cooking" — wish  it  were  apple-dumplings. 

"Cooking — Cook-ing — Cooking." 
"Cookies — Cook-ies — Cookies" — sorry  it  is  baking-day. 

"Cookies — Cook-ies — Cookies." 
"Molasses — Mo-las-ses — Molasses" — just  sweet  enough  for  me. 

That  is  the  way  to  spell  molasses — just  wait  till  I  look  in  the 
dictionary  and  see. 

[Goes  to  table  and  looks  in  dictionary.] 
Now,  Miss  Smarty,  I'm  right,  see,  here  it  is — Mo-las-ses. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  15 

r 
[Begins  to  study  again.] 

"Molasses — Mo-las-ses — Molasses." 
"Stupid — stu-pid — stupid" — 

That's  what  ycu  are,  Nellie. 
"Stupid — stu-pid — stupid." 
"Beefsteak — beef-steak — beefsteak." 
"Beefsteak — beef-steak — beefsteak" — tough  when  fried. 
"Sirloin — sir-loin — sirloin." 

A  king  of  England  named  it  that.    It  was  just  plain  loin  of 
beef;  and,  because  he  liked  it,  he  knighted  it  "Sirloin." 

There,  that  lesson  is  done,  and  I've  just  one  more  lesson,  and 
then  I'm  done  for  to-day. 

[Picks  up  music-book  and  fairly  glares  at  it.~\ 

I  do  believe  I  shall  learn  to  hate  music — it's  nothing  but  scales, 
anyway — it's  "ye,  ya,  ya,"  up  and  down,  and  in  and  out,  until  one 
seems  all  twisted.  Dearie  me,  there  go  the  girls,  if  I  don't  get 
through  before  they  turn  that  corner,  I  can't  catch  up  with  them 
and  find  out  where  they  are  going. 

Let  me  see,  first  the  scale.     [Sings.] 

"do"  [low],  "do"  [high]. 

Don't  shriek  like  that?     I  don't  call  that  screaming.     This  I 

would 

[Screams  out.]    "Do"  [low],  "do"  [high]. 

Awful?  That's  glorious;  sounds  as  if  I  were  rejoicing  because 
this  is  the  last  lesson. 

[Sings  scale  drazvlingly.] 

"Do-h — re-e — me-ee — fa-ah-ah — so — l-ol — la-ah-ah — 
ti — ee-ee — do — oh — ah " 

Worse  and  more  of  it?  You  shall  certainly  have  it.  If  that's 
all  you  want 

"Do-oh-oh — re-a-a-a — me-ee-ee-e — fa-ah-ah — sol- 
ol-ol — me-ee-ee — re-e — a — doh — oh-oh-oh  !" 


16  WERNER'S  READINGS 

i 
You'll  keep  still?    I'm  glad,  for  now  I  can  get  through.     [Sings 

again.  ] 

"Doh-re-doh,"  low-low-low.  [Second  group  is  burlesque.] 

"Doh-me-doh,"  me-me-doh. 

"Doh-fa-doh,"  fa-fa-doh. 

"Doh-sol-doh,"  sol-sol-doh. 

"Doh-la-doh,"  la-la-la. 

"Doh-ti-doh,"  ti-ti-doh. 

"Doh — Doh."     [Finishes  with  high  "doh,"  screaming  it  out.] 

Wasn't  that  fine?  Now,  I'll  sing  the  song  and  then  I'm 
through.  You  run  and  catch  the  girls  and  keep  them  a  minute. 
\rSings  slowly  and  carefully,  drawling  every  syllable.] 

"I  like  little  pussy, 

Her  coat  is  so  warm, 

And  if  I   don't  hurt  her, 

She'll  do  me  no  harm. 

"I'll  not  pull  her  tail. 
Nor  drive  her  away, 
But  pussy  and  I, 
Very  gently  will  play." 

Hurrah !     Hurrah !     I'm  done  at  last,  and  not  a  mistake. 

[Flings  book  into  chair,  stops,  gathers  up  books,  starts 
on  run  for  door,  singing  as  she  goes.] 

"I  like   little  pussy,   I   like   little   pussy." 


PREPARING  FOR  THE  SPEAKING  CONTEST. 


[Girl  sits  frowning  at  open  page  in  book  she  is  holding.  Slams 
book  on  table  and  jumps  up.  Speaks  and  acts  in  exaggerated  style. 
Older  person  supposed  to  be  present.] 

WHAT  a  dunce  I  was  to  promise  to  speak  at  that  contest! 
Here  I've  been  three  weeks  and  over  trying  to  learn  the 
thing.  I  never  worked  so  hard  in  my  whole  life  before.  If  I  ever 
promise  to  do  such  a  thing  again  I  hope  papa  whips  me.  Yes,  I 
deserve  it.  I  suppose  I  may  as  well  do  my  best.  To-morrow's 
the  contest,  and  Jack  Johnson  will  not  get  the  prize,  if  I  can 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  17 

help  it.  Let's  see  now,  teacher  says,  "The  bow  is  most  im- 
portant; it  starts  one  with  a  good  impression."  If  it  only  makes 
people  listen,  that's  all  I  care  for. 

You  think  I  can  succeed  if  I  do  my  best?  Then  I'll  do  my 
best,  and  you  have  promised  to  help  me. 

[Steps  forward,  hands  hanging  loosely  at  sides,  bows 
low.  Stands  a  moment  perfectly  still,  draws  in  deep  breath 
and  with  timid,  little  zvoe-begone  smile,  begins.] 

"A  ship  bounds  o'er  the  open  sea, 

Concealed  by  fog  and  night; 

The  waves  are  foaming  over  it, 

Dashed  by  the  wild  storm's  might." 

Oh,  dear,  I  know  I  forgot  that  swing  of  the  arm — let  me  see. 
[Reading  from  book :]  "Swing  right  arm  from  right  shoulder 
across  body  to  left  at  'bounds'  in  line  1."  I'll  have  to  begin  over 
again,  that's  all. 

[Steps  forzvard,  bows  low,  stands,  going  through  same 
business  as  before.] 

"A  ship  bounds"    [wild  sweep   of  right  arm  across   body   to 
left]   '*o:er  the  open  sea, 
Concealed  by  fog  and  night;"  [lets  hand  drop  slowly  back 
to  side], 
"The  waves  are  foaming  over  it, 

Dashed  by  the  wild  storm's  might." 

Let  me  see,  teacher  says  on  "two,"  in  next  line,  to  put  out  both 
hands,  with  palms  down,  and  look  down  and  press  hard  on  "two 
hundred  slaves." 

"Two"   [thrusts  hands  out  suddenly]   "hundred  slaves"   [turns 
palms    downward]    "lie   prisoned    there"    [looks    down- 
ward] 
"Between  the  narrow  beams, 
Half  wakened  by  the  howling  storm, 
Half  brooding  savage  dreams." 

Dear  me,  I  forgot  to  put  up  my  hand  on  "storm." 

"Half  wakened  by  the  howling  storm"   [rubs  eyes  slightly  and 
peers  slowly  front], 
Half  brooding  savage  dreams." 


18  WERNER'S  READINGS 

Wasn't  that  pretty  good?  Don't  jab  my  hand  out  so — make 
it  more  sweeping — like  this, — as  if  the  water  was  really  there? 
All  right,  I'll  do  the  first  line  over  again. 

"A  ship   bounds"    [makes  sweeping  gesture}    "o'er  the  open 
sea " 

Splendid?  Oh,  I'm  so  glad  you  came.  Now,  I'll  try  the  next. 
Read  all  the  things  teacher  wrote  first  ?  I  will.  She  says :  "Read 
with  feeling;  clasp  hands  under  chin  on  'themselves';  put  right 
arm  around  and  in  front  of  face  to  cover  it  a  little  on  'feel';  clasp 
hands  as  if  in  prayer  on  'they' ;  move  a  little  forward  and  kneel 
during  rest  of  stanza."    That's  a  lot  to  remember.    Now,  listen! 

"They  see  themselves,  like  laboring  beasts, 
Sold  on  a  foreign  shore;" 

Feeling  enough,  but  I  didn't  put  my  hands  under  my  chin? 
Dear,  dear,  shall  I  ever  remember?  Teacher  says  to  press  on 
"scourge." 

"They  see  themselves,  like"  [clasps  hands  hastily  under  chin] 
"laboring   beasts, 
Sold    on   a   foreign   shore; 
They  feel  the  scourge's  heavy  blows"   [sweeps  arm  around 
to  protect  face], 
"The  sunbeams  scorching  sore. 

"They"    [suddenly   clasps   hands  as  if  about   to   pray]   "pray 
with  fervent  soul,  aloud, 

Amidst  the  storm  and  rain : 
'O  Heaven!  release,  with  sudden  death, 

Us  from  such  lasting  pain!'" 

There  [spoken  in  triumph],  pretty  good?  I  call  that  splendid — 
what?  forgot  to  kneel  in  last  line?  [Looks  sheepish.]  Shall  I 
do  it  all  over  again?     Yes?     Here  goes. 

[Recites  whole  stanza  over,  doing  very  well,  except  in 
second  line  she  raises  arm  as  if  ilsing  a  whip  and  then  sud- 
denly siveeps  it  around  as  if  in  protection  of  face.] 

In  the  last  stanza  teacher  says  to  do  it  .out  loud.  I  can  do  that 
easy  enough,  but  I  don't  think  I  can  remember  all  the  things  she 
says.  "Connect  the  things  said  with  the  words  themselves?" 
How?    Oh,  I  see  how  easy  that  would  be.    I'll  try  it  that  way. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  19 

"Soon,  over  slaves  and  sailors  ['swing  right  hand  to  right 
and  left  hand  to  left  with  shaking  palms'],  howls 
The  storm  with   savage  might." 

[Stops,  puzzled;  frowns  heavily.'] 

What  are  you  laughing  at?  You  told  me  to  do  that.  Yes,  you 
did.  Not  say  the  directions  out  loud,  but  think  them  in  between 
as  you  do  them  ?    Oh  !  I  understand  now. 

"Soon,  over  slaves  and  sailors"   [swings  right  hand  to  right 
and   left  hand  to   left,  with  shaking  palms],   "howls 
The  storm  with  savage  might; 
No  beacon  shines — the  lightning's  flash"   [points  sharply  up- 
ward with  right  hand] 
"Alone  illumines  the  night." 

I  should  have  pressed  harder  on  "alone" — "alone  illumines  the 
night." 

"The  captain  cries:"  [steps  forward  and  looks  up]  " 'O  Allah, 
help ! 
Save  us  from  danger,  save!' 
The  slaves  below  call  wildly  out: 

'O  Lord,  give  us'    [yells]   'the  grave !'  " 

Not  so  loud?    Teacher  said  loud. 

"And  fierce  and  fiercer  drives  the  storm"    [shoves  hand  out 
as  if  pushing  someone  before  her], 
"The  ship   bounds"    [makes  bounding    motion    with    both 
hands  before  her]  "madly  on !"     [Presses  very  hard  on 
"madly".] 

"Suddenly"   [stops  abruptly  and  looks  down]   "it  strikes  upon 
a  rock"    [says  these  words  most  emphatically  and  de- 
liberately] 
"And  splits — all   hope   is   gone !"      [Shakes  head  as  if  all 
hope  is  gone.] 

"And  from  the  wreck"   [shakes  hands  out  front  with  palms 
out  and  speaks  most  sorrowfully  and  emphatically]  " 'O 
woe,   O  woe!' 
Howls  loudly  o'er  the  sea."     [Gives  last  line  with  great 
emphasis.] 
"But  from  two  hundred  lips  resound: 

'Hail,  Lord!  we  now  are  free!'"     [On  last  six  words  she 
looks  up  and  extends  hands  to  heaven.] 

Don't  put  so  many  gestures  in  last  stanza?  Why,  teacher  said 
to  do  so,  and  she  ought  to  know  better  than  you,  because  you  have 


20  WERNER'S  READINGS 

never  studied  elocution.  Yes,  I  know  you  have  always  helped 
me;  and,  when  I  have  done  what  you  said,  I  have  been  praised. 
Yes,  I  will  listen  while  you  recite  it,  and  if  it  does  sound  better  I 
will  recite  as  you  do 

[Sits  and  seems  to  listen.  Whole  face  glows  with  joy 
and  understanding.  By  time  last  line  is  reached,  she  is  im- 
personating gestures  she  seems  to  be  watching.  Gets  up 
and  imitates  what  she  has  heard.] 

Well  done?  I'm  so  glad  I  listened.  I'll  practise  it  that  way, 
and  to-night  you  will  come  and  hear  me.  I  do  hope  I  succeed  in 
doing  the  piece  well.  It's  worth  more  to  speak  it  right,  than  it  is 
to  think  so  much  about  getting  a  prize.  I'm  going  to  speak  the 
piece  so  it  will  be  understood,  even  if  Jack  Johnson  wins. 


LITTLE  TEACHER. 


[Girl  addresses  doll,  which  is  seated  in  chair.] 

WELL,  little  girl,  you  wish  to  come  to  school,  do  you?  I 
hope  you  are  a  very  good  girl,  and  will  not  give  me  any 
trouble.  What  is  your  name?  Lucy,  is  it?  Well,  Lucy,  do  you 
know  your  letters?  Can  you  read  and  spell  and  write?  You  don't 
know  anything,  eh  ?  How  shocking !  Well,  then,  I  will  try  to 
teach  you  how  to  spell  your  name  the  first  thing,  because  every 
little  girl,  when  she  is  as  big  as  you,  ought  to  know  how  to  spell 
her  name.  Lucy — that's  an  easy  name  to  spell.  Now  say  "L" — 
you  can  remember  that  if  you'll  just  think  of  "Aunt  El.";  then 
"U" — u,  remember,  not  me — that's  L-U.  Next  comes  "C" — that's 
what  you  do  with  your  eyes,  you  know — "C."  L-U-C,  and  the 
last  is  "Y,"  that's  easy — "Y."  Why,  of  course !  And  now  you 
have  it  all ! — L  (for  Aun":  El.) — U  (not  me) — C  (with  your  eyes), 
•md  Y  (why,  of  course) — Lucy. 

That  is  very  good.    You'll  soon  be  a  good  scholar,  I  see !    Now 
you  may  take  a  recess. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  21 

PRAYING  FOR  FATHER. 


[Girl  kneeling  on  rug  at  mother's  feet.  Mother  supposed  to  be 
present,  in  chair  near  open  fire.] 

MOTHER  dear,  where's  father?  He  never  seems  to  be  home 
any  more.  Doesn't  he  love  home  any  more,  and  you,  and 
me?  Oh,  I  know  he  loves  me,  for  he  has  said  so  over  and  over 
again. 

Mother  dear,  wouldn't  it  be  nice  if  father  would  take  me  and 
you  and  Bennie  to  the  park  like  he  used  to  do?  He  never  has 
been  nice  since  that  man  opened  a  saloon  on  the  confer.  We  used 
to  think  him  such  a  nice  man,  when  he  lived  next  door  to  us 
and  had  a  feed-store.  A  saloon  isn't  nice,  mother  dear,  I  guess, 
because  father  stays  in  it  now  instead  of  here  with  us,  and  when 
he  kisses  me  he  has  such  a  queer  breath.  Do  you  like  his  breath 
now?  No?  Why  not,  mother  dear,  isn't  it  a  healthy  one?  You 
know,  you  once  said  that  healthy  breaths  showed  healthy  people. 
Oh,  I  wish  father  would  come  now  and  play  with  me  like  he  used 
to  do.  My — didn't  we  have  fun !  [Jug-/?.?.]  Time  to  go  to  bed — 
must  say  my  prayer  now?  Oh,  mother,  just  a  minute  more,  just 
one  tiny  little  minute ;  you  know  father  may  come,  and  then  [face 
glows  zvith  joy'] — little  girls  must  be  obedient?  Yes,  mother  dear, 
yes,  mother  dear. 

[Bends  head  as  if  at  mother's  knee;  prays  as  follows:] 

"Now  I  lay  me  down  to   sleep 
I  know  that  God  his  child  doth  keep, 
I  know  that   God,  my  life,  is   nigh, 
I  live  in  Him,  so  cannot  die. 
Dear  God,  bless  Father,  Mother  and  little  me." 

[Lifts  head  a  moment  and  looks  into  mother's  face  as 
if  troubled.] 

"Bless  father,  bless  father,  and — please — please  send  him  home 
now — and  please  send  him  home  sober.  God  bless  father,  and  bless 
mother  ?nd  me,  but  please — please — bless  father — and  please — please — ■ 
send  him  home  sober — real  sober.    Amen." 

[Rises  and  looks  lovingly  at  mother.] 


22  WERNER'S  READINGS 

Mother,  I  know  God  is  sending  father  home.  I  know  it — I 
know  it — he  is  coming  now — mother  he  is  at  the  door. 

[Door  opens  suddenly.    Girl  looks  joyous.] 

Father !  Father  !  Father !  you  have  come.  You  have  come  ! 
God  answered  my  prayer  soon.  I  knew  He  would.  I  knew  He 
would. 

Never  again,  father — never  again?  Dear  mother,  if  father 
never,  never  drinks  again,  then  we  can  have  all  the  good  times 
we  had  before. 

Father  dear,  will  you  not  play  with  me  just  like  you  used  to 
do  ? — you  will  ? — oh,  lovely,  lovely,  lovely  !  Wait  until  I  put  my 
slippers  on,  and  you  be  the  horse  and  I'll  be  the  driver.  Dear, 
dear  father !     [Exits.] 


WHAT  BECAME  OF  THE  KITTEN. 


[Girl  sits  in  rocking-chair  with  doll  clasped  in  arms.     Stops  rock- 
ing and  looks  off  as  if  gazing  at  another.] 

AUNTY,  don't  you  think  my  doll  looks  sweet?  She  was  given 
me  by  Aunt  Bess.  Yes,  I'm  very  fond  of  her,  but  I  don't 
just  like  the  color  of  her  hair.  I  prefer  golden  hair.  You  khow 
mine  is  golden  and  I  always  like  my  hair  and  my  dollie's  hair  to 
match. 

[Fusses  with  doll's  dress  and  shoes.] 

Aunty,  why  don't  cats  have  blond  hair?  I've  always  wanted  a 
blond  cat.  Uncle  Tom  sent  me  a  red-haired  one,  but  I  couldn't 
carry  it  about  because  it  made  my  curls  look  so  faded.  Now,  a 
real  blond  cat  would  be  a  treasure — a  Teddy-bear?  Oh,  I  did 
have  one  and  enjoyed  so  much  carrying  it  on  the  board-walk  at 
the  seashore,  but  they  are  no  longer  fashionable. 

A  'possum?  I  think  they  are  horrid.  I  don't  care  w!k>  likes 
them — I  don't !  I'm  going  to  make  it  stylish  to  carry  a  cat  and 
I  must  have  a  real  blond  one.  Won't  you  try  to  get  me  one  ?  You 
are  such  a  darling,  aunty,  to  promise.     [Fusses  with  doll.] 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  23 

Aunty,  what  became  of  that  gray  kitten  you  had  when  I  was 
here?  You  don't  know?  Why,  don't  you  know?  Was  she  poi- 
soned? No?  Drowned?  No?  Well,  what  in  the  world  did 
become  of  her?  Grew  into  a  cat?  Oh,  what  a  tease  you  are. 
I'm  going  to  tell  that  to  Uncle  Tom.  Such  a  joke  on  me.  [Runs 
off  stage.'] 


FUN  AT  GRANDMA'S. 


[Girl,  speaker  present,  talks  directly  to  audience.] 

ONE  Christmas  day  at  grandmamma's,  we  all  dressed  up  for 
fun,  and  sat  in  a  line  and  called  them  in  to  look,  when  we 
were  done.  We  never  laughed  a  single  time,  but  sat  in  a  solemn 
row.  Tommy  was  Queen  Elizabeth,  and  Jane  had  an  Alsace  bow. 
Freddy  was  bound  to  be  a  nun  (though  he  didn't  look  it  a  bit!) 
and  Katy  made  a  Welsh-woman's  hat  and  sat  down  under  it. 
Sister  was  Madame  de  Maintenon,  or  some  such  Frenchy  dame; 
and  Jack  had  a  Roman  toga  on,  and  took  a  classic  name.  As  for 
poor  me,  I  really  think  I  came  out  best  of  all,  though  I  hadn't 
a  thing  for  dressing  up,  except  Dinah's  bonnet  and  shawl.  Well, 
grandma  laughed  and  grandpa  laughed,  and  all  admired  the  show ; 
I  wish  you'd  seen  us  sitting  there,  so  solemn,  in  a  row ! 


TRYING  TO  TELL  A  STORY. 


[Girl,  speaker  present.     Her  brothers  and  sisters,  supposed  to  be 
present.] 

NOW,  Jack,  you  and  May  may  sit  here,  and  Tommy  and  Alice 
may  sit  there.  Albert  and  Louis,  you're  almost  too  big  to 
listen;  but,  if  you  are  quiet  and  don't  interrupt,  I'll  tell  you  the 
story  Uncle  Ned  told  yesterday  afternoon. 

[Pantomimes  watching  children  take  seats.] 

Albert,  it's  mean  to  pull  Alice's  hair.     Leave  Tommy  alone. 
Yes,  I  saw  you  pinch  him.     Please,  do  sit  down. 

[Smiles  as  if  all  were  behaving  well;  speaks  in  grand 
tone.] 


24  WERNER'S  READINGS 

Well  [drazvling] ,  once  upon  a  time  there  was  a  house  divided 
against  itself  [looking  around  to  see  if  all  understand].  You  all 
understand  that,  don't  you  fin  szveet,  insinuating  tone]  ?  Per- 
fectly? How  lovely.  Well  [drazvling  as  before],  the  family  con- 
sisted of  a  pa,  a  ma  and  two  girls — three,  Jack?  Well  [drawl- 
ing], maybe  it  was  three,  but  as  pa  doesn't  appear,  we'll  consider 
him  not  in  it. 

The  girls  were  very  plain  looking,  but  the  youngest  was  the 
fairest  to  look  upon  you  ever  saw.  I  said  two  girls  before,  and 
now  I  said  three?  So  I  did,  but  this  third  girl  wasn't  born  when 
my  story  began.  She  was  born,  but  she  didn't  come  into  the  story- 
then.     She  was  born  when  her  sisters  were  ten  years  old. 

The  plain  sisters  treated  the  pretty  girl  very  badly.  They  made 
her  sit  in  the  corner,  and  dust,  and  sweep,  and  sew,  and  mend, 
and — do  the  work  of  two  hired  girls,  Jack?  Yes,  that  is  true. 
And  she  was  very  unhappy.  One  day  the  king  gave  a  dance 
for  his  son — the  prince,  Albert?  Yes,  the  prince,  and  all  the  girls, 
except  this  pretty  one,  were  invited  and  were  wild  to  go.  The 
fairest  girl  had  a  name,  I  suppose  ?  Oh,  yes,  you  silly,  all  girls  have 
names.  Not  when  they  are  first  born  ?  Well,  hardly,  but  they  do 
soon  after.  Well,  her  name  was  Lucinda  Ella.  She  didn't  get 
any  invitation  to  go  to  that  dance  and  she  wanted  to  go  very  much. 

Just  like  Eve?  Who  is  Eve?  First  woman  mentioned  in  the 
Bible?  Oh,  well,  I  haven't  gotten  so  high  in  history  as  you  have. 
The  minister  reads  from  the  Bible  every  Sunday?  Oh,  then  I 
guess  I  have  heard  about  Eve.  She  was  made  from  a  rib.  Do 
you  know,  I  heard  sister  tell  her  beau  once  that  it  was  no  wonder 
Eve  was  so  slim.  Shouldn't  talk  such  things?  Who  started  it, 
I'd  like  to  know.  Dear,  dear !  if  I  don't  hurry  I'll  never  get 
through. 

When  the  two  oldest  girls  were  dressed,  you  could  easily  see 
their  ma  had  spent  all  her  savings  to  make  them  look  fine,  but  they 
were  only  scarecrows  after  all.  Tell  about  their  dresses,  Jack? 
You  know  boys  never  know  anything  about  clothes.  Well,  they 
had  on  sky-blue  pelisse,  yellow  jerseys,  pink  pumps,  gray  gauze 
frocks  that  stood  out  all  around  like  hay-stacks,  and  a  bunch  of 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  25 

feathers   on   top   of  their   heads,   and   that   was   how   they   were 
dressed. 

[Looks  around  proudly  at  listeners.] 

No,  they  went  away  in  an  auto  and  Lucinda  Ella  was  left  weep- 
ing by  the  fire,  and  her  tears  fell  so  fast  that  she  had  to  move 
back  because  they — turned  into  lye  ?  Why,  Jack,  how  you  talk ! 
It's  not  true.  Not  one  bit.  No,  it  was  because  it  was  too  hot, 
and  suddenly  a  light  came  down  the  chimney,  and  when  it  got  to 
Lucinda  Ella,  it  became  a  fine  coach.  And  a  funny  lady  sat  in 
it  and  she  jumped  out  and  told  Lucinda  Ella  she  was  her  god- 
mother and  had  come  to  help  her  get  ready  for  the  dance. 

Made  a  gown  out  of  a  spider's  web?  No,  she  didn't,  she  just 
waved  a  wand  and  the  gown  Lucinda  Ella  had  on  disappeared 
and  a  new  and  beautiful  gown  appeared  in  its  place.  Lucinda 
Ella  went  out  and  brought  in  the  mouse-trap  and  in  it  were  four 
mice  which  the  godmother  changed  into  splendid  horses  with  fine 
harness  on. 

Yarn?  It's  true;  a  fairy  godmother  can  change  anything  into 
anything  she  likes ;  and  your  fairy  godmother  may  change  you 
into  a  bull-frog,  if  you  interrupt  again. 

Yes,  she  went  to  the  dance  and  the  prince  fell  in  love  with 
her,  and  she  tried  to  get  away,  but  the  prince  caught  her  by  the 
foot,  but  she  pulled  her  foot  out  of  her  slipper  and  ran.  As 
soon  as  she  get  home,  her  dress  was  gone  and  she  was  in  rags 
again.  Her  sisters  came  back  and  told  about  the  beautiful  lady 
and  how  she  had  disappeared,  but  that  the  prince  was  going  to 
find  her  by  the  tiny  slipper  she  had  left  in  his  hand.  Her  name 
wasn't  Lucinda  Ella?  It  was,  too,  for  Uncle  Ned  said  so.  Cin- 
der-ella — all  one  word?  Yes,  that  is  it,  but  it  sounded  the  other 
way. 

She  married  the  prince?  Please,  Albert,  let  me  tell  it.  Yes,  it 
has  taken  a  long  time,  but  you  and  Jack  kept  interrupting  so  often. 
The  prince  found  her  in  the  kitchen,  after  he  had  tried  all  the 
other  ladies,  and  the  slipper  fitted,  and  so  he  married  her.  She 
did  live  happy  ever  after,  Jack !    She  did,  too,  for  you  never  heard 


26  WERNER'S  READINGS 

of  a  prince  who  ever  made  her  unhappy,  and  she  had  seven  sons 
and  daughters. 

Another  yarn?  No  book  ever  said  that.  Well,  I  think  she  did, 
because  she  was  so  good.  I'm  never  going  to  tell  a  story  again 
when  you  and  Albert  are  around.  Come  on  Alice  and  Tommy, 
we'll  go  and  get  Uncle  Ned  to  tell  us  another  story. 


OBSERVATIONS  OF  LITTLE  KATIE. 


I'M  just  nine  years  old.  My  brother  is  Bill,  and  he  is  twelve, 
and  my  big  sister  is  Alice  Maude,  and  she  is  nineteen.  She's 
grown  up,  ma  says.  She's  only  ten  years  more  than  I  am,  and 
yet  only  ten  seems  such  a  lot  to  a  little  girl  like  me.  She  never 
associates  with  me,  and  so  I  never  do  with  her.  I  don't  care 
either,  because  I  can  have  more  fun  than  those  dressed-up,  big 
girls  can.  And  when  I  get  big  I  won't  be  conceited,  either.  Alice 
Maude  is  very  vain.  Ma  says  she  can  hardly  stand  her  airs,  and 
pa  says  she  exasperates  him.  I  got  that  big  word  out,  but  it 
wasn't  easy.  My  brother  Bill  is  awful  wild.  Ma  says  I  mustn't 
say  "awful,"  but  say  "very"  instead;  but  if  you  could  see  how 
our  Bill  acts,  I  think  you,  too,  would  say  he  certainly  was  awful. 
Why,  hiding  behind  sofa  or  chairs  in  the  parlor  when  there's 
company  isn't  half  as  awful.  '  Cook  calls  Bill  and  me  disgraces  to 
respectable  families,  and  black  sheep.  I  don't  really  know  what 
I've  done  to  get  such  names  unless  it  is  because  I  hid  her  spec- 
tacles, or  took  cookies  from  the  kitchen-table;  or  maybe  it  was 
because  I  stoned  that  yellow  cat  of  hers.  At  any  rate,  those  little 
things  do  not  need  such  strong  names.  Oh,  there  I  think,  I  do 
know  why  she  calls  Bill  and  me  such  names.  The  other  night 
Alice  Maude's  best  beau  came,  dressed  swell.  He's  such  a  jolly 
fellow,  and  is  always  joking  Bill  and  me,  that  we  thought  we'd 
try  a  trick  or  two  on  him  to  get  square.  We  tied  strings  to  the 
rugs  to  pull  them  when  the  lovers  were  on  them.  Alice  rushed 
to  meet  him  and  he  rushed  to  her,  and  we  pulled  the  strings,  and 
they  both  fell.  Alice  Maude  let  out  a  yell,  and  so  did  he,  and  we 
ran.    Alice  Maude  didn't  speak  to  me,  but  ma  did,  and  with  her 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  SO.  27 

slipper.  It  hurt  some,  but  wasn't  half  so  much  as  "what  Bill  got 
from  pa.  Bill  yelled  and  yelled,  but  pa  didn't  seem  to  mind  his 
noise  and  didn't  stop  until  Bill  promised  he'd  never  do  such  a 
thing  again.  Ma  preached  a  long  sermon  about  the  danger  of 
breaking  another's  bones  and  that  doing  evil  things  always  brought 
evil  results.  I  knew  that,  because  I  still  feel  some  of  them.  Pa 
told  Bill  that  wicked  people  really  never  have  any  pleasure  in 
being  wicked.  Pain  was  sure  to  follow  wicked  deeds.  Bill  told 
me  he  agreed  with  pa  and  never  intended  to  do  anything  again 
like  that.  If  Bill  doesn't,  I  certainly  won't,  because  only  boys 
think  about  doing  those  wicked  things. 


DICKY'S  CHRISTMAS. 


[Girl  sits  in  small  rocker  making  doll's  clothes.     Near  her  another 
little  girl  is  supposed  to  be  seated.] 

I  LIKE  Dicky.  He  has  a  nice,  round,  freckled  face.  I  got 
acquainted  with  him  down  by  our  back  fence.  I  guess  my 
folks  didn't  know  much  about  that  back  fence.  Dicky  and  I  found 
a  hole  in  the  fence,  and  we  played  store  through  it,  and  cat's 
cradle,  and  told  stories  to>  each  other. 

Once  I  told  him  about  Christmas  at  grandpa's  house.  How  we 
all  go  there — uncles,  aunts,  cousins — everybody,  and  have  the  best 
kind  of  a  time.  And  such  dinners !  Pies  and  cakes — oh,  ever  so 
many  kinds;  and  nuts  and  oranges.  You  ought  to  have  seen  his 
eyes !    Dicky  said  he  never  had  such  a  Christmas. 

Wouldn't  you  feel  sorry  for  a  little  boy  that  didn't  ever  see  a 
real  Christmas?  I  knew  you  would.  He  never  tasted  turkey,  and 
he  didn't  even  know  what  mince-pies  were  like !  I  washed  I  could 
ask  him  to  go  to  grandpa's  at  Christmas,  but  I  guessed  the  big 
folks  wouldn't  like  it.  I  thought  a  whole  lot  about  it,  and  every 
time  I  saw  him  he  would  ask  if  I  couldn't  take  him  to  grandpa's 
at  Christmas  just  once. 

So,  I  thought  it  all  out  and  when  mamma  told  me  she  would 
go  to  church  Christmas  morning  and  that,  as  soon  as  I  was  ready, 
I  could  go  straight  to  grandpa's,  I  knew  what  to  do.  So  I  went 
to  the  back  fence  and  called  Dicky. 


28  WERNER'S  READINGS 

Afraid  ?  Of  what  ?  I  was  only  going  to  let  Dicky  have  a  peek. 
When  I  told  Dicky  to  come  along  and  I  would  hide  him  where  he 
could  see  all  the  good  things  and  what  we  did,  he  danced  for 
joy.  When  we  got  to  the  house  I  made  him  stay  outside  until  I 
could  hide  him.  We  slipped  into  the  dining-room,  and  when  he 
saw  things  he  just  stared  and  stared.  I  looked  everywhere  for  a 
good  place,  and  finally  hid  him  in  the  big  clock.  He  was  pretty 
crowded,  but  he  could  see  through  the  glass  all  that  went  on. 

Hannah,  the  maid,  came  in  just  then  and  told  me  to  do  anything 
I  pleased,  and  when  I  got  tired  I  could  go  into  the  kitchen  and 
watch  the  cook  make  the  pretty  things.  Soon  the  folks  came  and 
I  promised  Dicky  some  of  the  good  things,  if  he  only  kept  still. 
We  had  a  jolly  time  at  the  table  and  everybody  seemed  so  happy 
until  the  clock  suddenly  began  to  go  "whir-r-r-r,"  and  then  to 
strike,  as  if  it  were  crazy,  and  out  of  that  clock  fell  Dicky !  He 
was  almost  frightened  to  death,  and  I  ran  and  put  my  arms  around 
him  and  turned  and  glared  at  grandpa. 

Grandpa  said,  "What  in  the  world ";  but  I  stopped  him 

right  away.  "No,  he  isn't  a  burglar,  grandpa,"  I  said.  "He's 
just  'one  of  the  least'  that  the  Bible  tells  about;  I'm  most  sure 
he  is,  and  that's  why  I  hid  him  there,  because  he  hadn't  ever  seen 
Christmas.  I  was  going  to  save  him  some  of  my  turkey,  and 
cake,  and  raisins,  and  nuts  and  an  orange,  and  it  wouldn't  have 
done  any  one  a  bit  of  harm,  if  only  that  old  clock  hadn't  begun  to 
make  a  fuss.  Please  be  kind  to  him,  grandpa.  It  is  all  my  fault — 
I  brought  him  here." 

What  did  grandpa  say?  He  didn't  say  a  word  for  a  moment, 
but  he  took  out  his  handkerchief  and  wiped  his  spectacles.  He 
took  Dicky  and  me  right  into  his  arms  and  hugged  us,  and  said : 
"Nobody  in  this  house  shall  say  an  unkind  word  to  either  of  you. 
You  have  taught  us  a  lesson."  Then  he  turned  to  the  others  and 
said :  "Think  of  it,  children — 'Unto  one  of  the  least  of  these, 
unto  Me !'  We'll  turn  over  a  new  leaf.  Every  Christmas  we  will 
invite  someone  like  Dicky  and  let  him  enjoy  Christmas  with  us." 
Then  he  had  Dicky  sit  next  to  him,  and  you  ought  to  have  seen 
the  good  things  he  put  on  his  plate !     Dicky  looked  astonished, 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  29 

T>ut  soon  was  eating  and  laughing  with  the  rest;  and,  after  we 
got  through  eating,  we  all  played  games,  and  later  the  tree  was 
lighted  and  grandpa  called  off  Dicky's  name  from  the  tree,  and 
he  had  a  lot  of  nice  things  there  too.  Grandpa  said,  "Santa  must 
have  put  them  there  while  we  were  playing  games."  After  we  all 
had  our  Christmas  gifts,  we  formed  a  ring  and  sang  a  Christmas 
carol,  dancing  around  the  tree. 

Yes,  grandpa  has  Dicky  come  over  to  the  house  every  few  days 
and  Dicky  is  going  to  school  soon.  He's  going  to  try  to  learn, 
so  he  can  help  grandpa  in  the  store. 

You'll  have  to  go  now.  I  hear  your  mother  calling.  Come  to- 
morrow, and  we'll  do  some  more  sewing.     Good-bye. 


ORIGIN  OF  THE  SPIDER. 


[Girl,  standing  stage  center  and  pantomiming  listening  to  person 
talking,  shakes  head  and  laughs  heartily.] 

UNCLE  TOM,  I  don't  believe  you  ever  will  be  serious.  You 
know  very  well  that  spiders  were  never  made  from  flies. 
Yes,  you  do,  and  I  can  tell  you  why  I  know.  The  other  day 
teacher  rjad  to  us  from  a  book  about  spiders,  and  said  the  Greeks 
gave  us  the  true  origin  of  them,  and  that  they  were  truly  beautiful 
because  they  were  so  industrious  and  could  weave  such  splendid 
webs. 

No,  Uncle  Tom,  she  truly  did  say  "beautiful,"  for  spiders  cer- 
tainly do  spin  wondrous  webs' 

What's  my  yarn?  Now,  Uncle,  don't  call  it  a  "yarn."  You 
know  the  Greeks  always  have  such  beautiful  meanings  for  every- 
thing. Well,  teacher  read  that  in  Greece,  long,  long  ago,  there 
ived  a  girl,  Arachne  by  name.  From  morn  to  night  she  would 
sit  and  weave,  and  weave,  and  weave.  Tiresome?  I  don't  think 
so,  for  she  made  many  beautiful  things.  But  she  got  vain  because 
none  could  do  as  well  as  she,  and  people  came  from  all  over  just 
to  see  her  beautiful  work. 

One  day,  Minerva,  Queen  of  the  Air,  came  and  gazed  at  her 
work.    She  then  said :  "If  you  can  weave  such  beautiful  things,  and 


30  WERNER'S  READINGS 

if  you  think  that  no  one  else  can  do  as  well,  suppose  you  and  I  have 
a  contest  to  see  which  one  can  weave  the  prettier  things." 

Arachne  agreed.  Very  foolish?  I  don't  think  so,  because  she 
could  really  do  such  nice  work. 

Don't  try  to  hurry  me,  Uncle  Tom.  You  know  a  good  story 
can  never  be  told  in  a  second.  The  Queen  of  the  Air  insisted, 
however,  that  if  her  work  was  finer  than  that  of  Arachne,  that 
Arachne  must  never  spin  again.  Arachne  promised,  because  she 
felt  sure  that  none  could  equal  her.  The  Queen  went  away  to 
return  in  three  days. 

On  the  third  day  Minerva  returned  and  Arachne  began  to 
weave.  The  people  stood  in  wonder  and  shouted  for  joy  at  the 
wonderful  results.  Arachne  was  very  glad.  Everybody  felt  sure 
of  her  winning. 

The  Queen  of  the  Air  began  her  work.  High  in  the  sky,  and 
among  the  clouds,  and  among  the  stars  and  moon,  she  wove  the 
most  beautiful  colors,  the  most  delicate  blues,  pinks,  yellows, 
greens,  etc.     There  never  was  seen  such  exquisite  weavings. 

Arachne  grew  more  and  more  sad  when  she  saw  the  wondrous 
thing  the  Queen  had  woven.  She  knew  she  never  again  could 
engage  in  her  beloved  spinning. 

Hard  luck?  I  could  have  cried  my  eyes  out  for  sorrow  for 
her.  But  the  Queen,  seeing  the  tears  falling  from  Arachne's  eyes, 
said :  "You  will  have  to  keep  your  promise ;  but,  since  you  love 
the  work  so  much,  I  will  make  it  possible  for  you  to  carry  it  on." 
She  then  lifted  her  spear  into  the  air,  waved  it  twice  above 
Arachne's  head,  touched  her  on  the  shoulder,  and  right  then  and 
there  Arachne  was  changed  into  a  spider. 

Sad  fate?  I  don't  think  so.  She  can  always  do  the  thing  she 
loves  now,  and  every  time  you  see  a  spider-web  you  will  always 
know  that  Arachne  is  still  living  and  working.  I  no  longer  dislike 
spiders  since  I  heard  that  story.  I  shall  always  enjoy  seeing  them 
work. 


I  never  spoke  before  to-day,  the  smallest  girl  am  I ; 

And,  as  I've  nothing  much  to  say,  I'll  only  say,  "Good-bye. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  31 

FRIENDS:  BLACK  AND  WHITE. 


[White  girl  with  doll;  black  girl  with  black  doll,  supposed  to  be 
present.  Girl  enters  clasping  doll  in  arms;  reaching  stage  center  and 
discovering  black  girl  with  doll,  she  gazes  at  her  a  moment  and  then 
with  friendly  smile  speaks.] 

SAY,  you  little  black  girl,  please  tell  me  your  name.  Why? 
Because  I  want  you  to  play  with  me,  and  I  can't  talk  to  you 
if  I  don't  know  it.  Lois?  How  strange,  and  mine  is  Irene.  Now 
we'll  play  our  dolls  are  real  babies,  and  that  yours  is  black,  and 
mine  is  white,  and  that  we  are  neighbors  and  always  do  right. 

You  come  here  and  we'll  show  our  babies  to  each  other,  so  they 
will  be  acquainted.  Oh,  yes,  they  must  shake  hands  so.  Now  they 
are  real  friends  like  their  mothers.  How  cutely  they  look  as  we 
hold  them  together.  [Puts  doll  over  as  though  holding  it  against 
black  doll.']  It's  black  against  white  forever  and  ever.  Not 
against  white?     No,  black  with  white  forever  and  ever. 

Well,  here  is  my  house  right  here,  and  yours  is  over  there. 
We'll  pretend  our  dollies  are  sleepy,  and  both  are  crying,  and  you 
are  to  make  yours  hush  and  I  am  to  make  mine  hush  too. 

[Sits  on  small  rocker,  rocks  and  sings  to  doll;  suddenly 
looks  as  if  aghast  at  what  she  sees.] 

Oh,  dear,  how  can  you  kiss  it.  It's  black — don't  you  see.  Black 
doesn't  come  off?  It  doesn't?  No  more  than  white  trash?  I'd 
have  you  to  know  my  baby's  no  white  trash. 

I'll  not  play  with  you  any  more,  and  you  can  go  right  away. 
This  is  my  street,  and  my  house,  and  I'll  sit  on  my  stoop  and  sing: 

"Rock-a-bye,   rock-a-bye   to   my  baby   so  fair." 

[Sits  on  chair  and  rocks  and  sings.   Looks  up  suddenly, 
jumps  up  and  speaks  as  if  angry.] 

Go  away,  you  black,  black  nigger.  Don't  you  dare  sit  on  my 
stoop.  It's  no  place  for  niggers.  Only  white  people  can  sit  here 
— white  people  with  golden  hair.  Go  away,  or  I'll  make  you,  you 
black,  black  ugly  thing! 

[Seems  to  listen;  face  saddens  a  little  as  she  looks  down 
at  doll.] 


32  WERNER'S  READINGS 

God  made  you  black  and  your  dolly,  too,  just  as  He  made  me 
white  and  my  dolly  too?  Yes,  I  believe  that's  true,  for  I've  heard 
mother  say  so.  I'm  real  sorry,  you  know,  that  I  forgot,  because 
by  forgetting  what  mother  said  I  also  forgot  what  Abraham  Lin- 
coln said.  Why,  he  told  us  to  love  our  black  brothers  and  to  do 
unto  them  as  we  want  that  they  should  do  unto  us.  I'm  very 
sorry.  Now,  let's  try  once  again.  Here's  my  hand — hold  it  close 
and  squeeze  it  hard,  and  we'll  never  quarrel  again.  We'll  love 
each  other  and  be  true  neighbors,  and  we'll  love  God,  our  Father, 
who  made  us  all  free. 


HE  SAID  AN  AWFUL  THING. 


[Small  girl  stands  with  indignant  expression.] 

I'M  never,  never  going  to  speak  to  Johnnie  Jones  again.  He 
teases  me  all  the  time,  and  pulls  my  kitty's  tail,  and  slaps  me. 
Sometimes  he  pinches  me,  and  once  he  kicked  me,  and  I  told  his 
ma  and  he  hasn't  ever  done  that  since.  But  to-day  he  said  an 
awful  thing  when  he  couldn't  make  his  top  spin.  I  don't  think  I 
ought  to  say  it  even  to  you.  I  know  my  mother  wouldn't  like  me 
to.  It  was  a  great  big  swear  word.  O-ee !  wasn't  I  scared, 
though.  He  said — he  said — as  he  threw  his  top  down,  "Sam 
Hill,"  ^.nd  he  said  it  awful  loud  and  awful  mad  too;  and  I  just 
ran  away  here  to  tell  you  about  it.  I'm  so  sorry  I  can't  play  with 
him  any  more  because  he  was  the  nicest  looking  boy  on  our  street, 
and  he  was  the  only  one  that  had  blue  eyes  and  didn't  pull  my  little 
brother  about,  even  if  he  did  bother  me.  But,'  do  you  know,  I 
liked  it  when  he  teased  me.  I'm  so  sorry  about  his  swearing, 
and  I  don't  know  whether  to  tell  mother  or  not.  If  I  don't  tell 
mother,  perhaps  I  can  play  with  him  again. 


If  the  men  were  so  wicked,  I'll  ask  my  papa 
How  he  dared  to  propose  to  my  darling  mamma? 
Was  he  like  the  rest  of  them  ?    Goodness  !  who  knows  ? 
And  what  should  I  do  if  a  wretch  should  propose  ? 

— Oliver  Wendell  Holmes. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  33 

GIRL'S  VIEW  OF  MEN  AND  WOMEN. 


BOYS  are  men  that  haven't  got  to  be  as  big  as  their  papas, 
and  girls  are  young  women  that  will  be  young  ladies  by- 
and-by.  Man  was  made  before  woman.  When  God  looked  at 
Adam  He  said  to  Himself :  "Well  I  guess  I  can  do  better  than 
that,  if  I  try  again,"  and  so  He  made  Eve.  God  liked  Eve  so 
much  better  than  Adam  that  there  have  been  more  women  than 
men  ever  since.  Boys  are  a  trouble.  They  wear  out  everything 
but  soap.  If  I  had  my  way,  half  the  boys  in  the  world  would  be 
girls,  and  the  rest  would  be  dolls.  My  papa  is  so  nice  that  I 
guess  he  must  have  been  a  little  girl  when  he  was  a  little  boy. 


LOVELY  CONCERT. 


[Girl  enters,  appearing  to  lead  another  girl.     Looks  around,  rushes 
to  piano,  front  of  stage;  suddenly  turns  to  other  girl.] 

NELL,  I'll  tell  you  what  we'll  do.  Since  mother  and  Uncle 
Harry  wouldn't  take  us  with  them,  let  us  dress  up  in 
mother's  best  clothes  and  pretend  we  are  to  sing  at  a  concert. 
You  sit  here;  I  will  play  and  sing  my  piece  first,  then  your  turn 
comes.  Don't  want  to  do  anything  but  listen?  All  right.  But 
we  will  both  dress,  as  that  will  make  the  concert  more  real. 

[Exits,  returning  in  elaborate  costume  with  long  trail. 
Pantomimes  that  someone  comes  in  with  her  and  sits  near 
piano.  Goes  to  piano,  adjusts  piano-stool,  opens  book  on 
rest,  turns  and  bows  to  audience,  scats  herself  with  elab- 
orate care,  spreading  gown  well  out  on  side  nearest  audi- 
ence; pretends  to  play  a  fczv  notes  on  piano  and  sings:'] 

"In  the  sweet — eet- — by-and-by — by  and  bye — 
We    shall    mee-et-et — on    that    beau-it-ti-ful    shor-or-or." 

It  is  right!     I  guess  I  ought  to  know  how  it  goes.     I've  heard 

mother  sing  it  often  enough.     "There's  a  land?"     Yes,  that's  the 

way  it  begins,  but  I'm  singing  the   chorus  first.     Xow,   I   shall 

have  to  sing  that  all  over  again.    Yes,  yes,  I'll  sing  the  first  verse. 

[Plays  a  fczv  notes,  then  sings,  playing  inharmoniously 
until  stopped  again.] 


34  WERNER'S  READINGS 

"There's  a  land-an,  tha-at  is  fair-ai-aier — than  day-ay-ay, 
And  by  fai-ai-aith  we  can  se-ee-ee-e — it  a — :fa-ah-ah, 

For-or-or — the  fathe — er  waits  ov — o-over  the way-ay-ay, 

To  preparer-er-er — dwell — ing-ing-ing — pla-a-ace — ther-er-er — " 

You  mustn't  clap  now  [very  angry]  ;  no,  you  mustn't — you 
know,  I've  got  to  sing  the  chorus  first. 

[Plays  a  few  notes,  sings  chorus  while  playing  dis- 
cordantly.] 

"In — in — in  that  swe-ee-e-et  by-and-by-y-y-y-y — 
We eee-e-e-shall shall — shall — me-e-e-e-et on    that    beau-eu- 

eu-eu-tiful-ul-ul — shor-or-or. 
In  that  sweet-ete-ete — by-and-aby — we  shall  me-e-e-e-et  on  that  beau- 

eu-eu-eu-ti-i-i-i — ful-1-1-1 — shor-or-or." 

[Gets  up,  bozvs  low,  smiles  as  if  pleased  and  starts  back 
to  piano  for  encore,  stops.] 

That's  a  good  idea.     The  next  will  be  a  song  and  dance. 

[Goes  to  piano,  plays  few  notes;  sings  without  playing; 
dances  about  room  while  singing.  Finishing  dance,  stops 
and  listens,  turns  to  girl  companion  (supposed  to  be  pres- 
ent) and  speaks.] 

Quick,  Nell,  here  come  mother  and  Uncle  Tom.  If  mother 
caught  us  in  her  best  clothes  she'd  whip  us  hard.  Didn't  we  have 
a  lovely  time,  though !  The  next  time  we  can  have  all  our  friends 
come  in  and  sit  as  audience.     [Quick  exit.] 


BESSIE'S  VIEW  OF  THINGS. 


OH !  dear !  Is  it  any  wonder  I  feel  cross ?  Just  see  how  it 
is  raining,  and  I  wanted  to  go  out  to  gather  wild-flowers. 
Mamma  says  there  wouldn't  be  any  flowers  if  it  didn't  rain,  and 
that  I  ought  not  to  grumble  about  it.  But  how  can  I  help  it? 
She  says  rain  makes  things  grow.  It  doesn't  make  me  grow, 
does  it?  Then  what  does,  I  wonder?  I'm  sure  I'm  a  great  deal 
taller  now  than  I  was  last  year,  for  mamma  had  to  let  all  the 
tucks  out  of  this  dress.  I  suppose  she  means  planted  things. 
Well,  there's  all  that  money  I  planted  last  Fourth  of  Tnly — to  be 
sure  there  wasn't  any  rain — but  I  poured  bushels  and  bushels  of 
water  on  it,  and  not  one  cent  came  up.    But  what  became  of  that 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  35 

money,  I  don't  know.  That's  the  queer  part  of  it;  for,  when  I 
took  my  little  spade  and  uncovered  the  hole  to  see  what  was 
the  matter  with  it,  there  wasn't  any  money  there.  Bill  (that's  the 
boy  that  lives  with  us)  says  maybe  it  grew  the  other  way  and 
came  up  in  China.  How  he  knows  anything  about  it,  I  can't  tell, 
for  I  never  breathed  a  word  of  it  to  anybody.  He's  an  awful 
bad  boy,  and  whenever  he  passes  me  he  calls  me  "little  mission- 
ary," or  else  he  says,  "Say,  Bessie,  has  your  money  sprouted 
yet?"  I  told  him  if  he  didn't  stop  teasing  me  I  would  tell  papa, 
and  he  said  if  I  did,  papa  would  tease  me  more  than  he  did.  Oh ! 
there !  See  that  sunbeam !  I  do  believe  it's  clearing  off !  I  can 
go  for  my  flowers  after  all.  I  wonder  where  my  hat  and  basket 
are! 


ADOPTING  A  GRANDMOTHER. 


[Girl   talks   to   group   of  girls    supposed  to   be   standing  on   street 
corner  looking  at  wagon,  in  which  is  an  old  lady.] 

Part  I. 

OH,  girls,  isn't  that  sad?  They  are  taking  poor  Mrs.  James 
to  the  poorhouse  because  her  children  won't  help  her.  No 
one  can  compel  her  children  to  support  her  because  they  live  in 
other  States.  I  heard  father  say  that  such  a  law  was  unjust. 
Nobody  wants  to  board  her,  though  father  says  likely  her  house 
will  sell  for  enough  to  keep  her  as  long  as  she  lives.  I've  always 
loved  her  so  and  she  has  been  so  good  to  us  all. 

Too  bad?  It's  worse  than  "too  bad,"  and  she  always  gave  us 
such  good  times  at  her  house.  Dear,  dear,  it  is  awful  to  get  old 
and  have  no  friends.  Love  is  what  she  needs.  You  all  agree 
she  did  everything  she  could  to  make  us  all  have  a  good  time? 
I  knew  you  would.  Now,  she  is  old  and  friendless,  not  one  in 
all  this  town  will  take  her,  and  she  would  rather  die  than  go 
to  the  poorhouse,  and  yet  she  sits  there  smiling. 

What  is  it,  May?  Well,  say  it!  A  plan?  Let's  adopt  her? 
Perple  adopt  children — why  can't  we  adopt  her?  A  splendid 
ide,  !     Say,  girls,  that's  great.     All  we'd  have  to  do  is  to  go  see 


36  WERNER'S  READINGS 

her  every  day  and  carry  her  books  and  flowers  and  fix  her  roon< 
cozy  and  cheerful,  and  we  can  love  her — it's  love  she  needs  most, 
and  we  can  all  love  her  enough — she  is  such  a  dear  old  lady. 
I'll  get  father  to  let  us  have  all  her  own  things,  and  we  can  get 
her  that  nice  little  cottage  down  by  the  lake  for  five  dollars  a 
month.  We'll  put  her  furniture  into  it  and  then  we  can  get  her 
curtains  and  when  she  is  all  fixed  we  can  visit  her  every  day. 

Now,  let  me  see.  I'll  go  the  first  day.  Then  each  in  turn 
must  select  a  day  to  go,  so  that  the  seven  days  in  each  week 
are  covered.  We  must  go  as  often  as  we  can  beside.  Is  that 
agreed  to?     All  right. 

But  when  shall  we  adopt  her?    To-night,  after  school.     We'll 

get  her  not  to  go  to  the  poorhouse  this  morning.     Let's  tell  her 

to  go  visit  my  mother  until  this  afternoon.    \They  act  as  though 

talking  to  Mrs.  James  and  then  turn  smilingly  away.]    Let's  hurry 

to  school  now.     [All  exit.] 

Part  II. 

[Room  in  home  of  Kate  Adams.     Kate  present;  Mrs.  James  and 
girls  supposed  to  be  present.] 

Dear  Mrs.  James,  we  have  come  to  ask  you  to  let  us  adopt  you 
as  our  grandmother.  We  all  have  lost  ours  and  want  one  very 
much,  one  whom  we  can  go  to  and  tell  all  our  troubles.  You  have 
always  helped  us,  and  now  we  feel  we  cannot  spare  you,  and  so 
have  talked  it  over  and  decided  to  adopt  you,  if  you  are  willing. 

You  are  willing?  Oh,  girls,  now  we  can  hug  and  kiss  her  all 
we  want.  Dear  Grandma  James,  we  have  taken  that  pretty  little 
cottage  down  by  the  lake  and  we  have  put  into  it  all  the  things 
you  like  and  your  home  is  to  be  there.  We  will  come  to  see  you 
every  day  and  each  of  us  will  take  a  day  to  fix  up  your  cottage 
and  to  make  you  look  nice  and  sweet  as  you  always  have  looked. 

No,  it  won't  be  any  trouble.  Every  one  of  us  loves  you.  and 
when  we  love  another  we  always  want  to  do  something  to  show 
our  love. 

Hope  you  won't  live  long?  Oh,  Grandma  James,  you  wouldn't 
want  us  to  be  unhappy.    We  want  you  to  live  a  long,  long  t^ne ; 

---— -  -ft 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  37 

know  how  happy  you  will  be  there,  and  May  says  she  is  going 
to  loan  you  her  dog,  Jack,  the  big  St.  Bernard,  you  like  so  much; 
and  her  father  is  to  send  him  over  there  this  afternoon. 

Yes,  you'll  never  be  lonely  again.  You  can  sew  and  read  and 
sing  and  be  happy  all  day  long.  And  Jack  will  take  care  of  you 
while  we  are  at  school;  and,  if  you  want  us  at  any  time,  all  you 
have  to  do  is  to  write  a  note  and  put  it  into  Jack's  mouth  and 
say  "school"  or  "May,"  and  he  will  go  for  May.  Come  along, 
dear  Grandma  James,  we'll  take  you  to  your  new  home.  [Exit 
as  if  leading  old  lady  from  room.'] 

/  

SPORTIVE,  SPYING  BARBARA. 


[Girl  puts  clothes  on  doll  as  she  sits  on  floor  near  mother's  chair. 
Mother  supposed  to  be  present.] 

MOTHEE,  do  you  like  the  new  minister?  Yes,  ours.  The 
one  that  comes  to  see  sister  Tillie.  You  think  he  is  a  nice 
man?  Very,  very  nice?  You  do?  He  speaks  well  at  church  on 
Sundays?  Very,  very  well,  Mothee?  Oh,  nothing.  I  was  just 
thinking,  that's  all. 

[Busies  herself  zuith  doll,  looks  tip  at  mother,  holding 
doll  by  one  leg.] 

Mothee,  do  you  like  his  hair?  You  do?  The  color,  I  mean. 
Yes,  the  color.  Sandy,  Mothee?  Why,  I  heard  papa  tell  Mr. 
Catt  that  the  new  minister's  hair  was  a  decided  red.  Shouldn't 
listen  to  what  papa  says?  Why,  he  whipped  me  once  for  not 
listening,  and  since  then  I  try  hard  to  hear  everything,,  even  when 
he  whispers  to  you.  I  thought  that  was  what  papa  meant — every- 
thing he  said,  whether  loud  or  low.  Anyway,  he  told  Mr.  Catt 
that  red  hair  means  a  hot  temper — sh!  sh?  [Looks  all  around.] 
Anyone  listening,  Mothee?  No?  Mustn't  say  such  things  again 
— never  again?    I  won't,  Mothee. 

[Tosses  doll  into  air.    Takes  off  doll's  shoes,  dress,  etc. 
Stops  suddenly  and  looks  at  mother.] 

Mothee,  is  the  new  minister  very,  very  good?  Yes?  Is  the 
Lord  better  to  him  than  to  us?    Don't  think  so?    Good'  to  those 


38  WERNER'S  READINGS 

that  are  good?     Are  you  good,  Mothee?     Try  to  be?     Is  papa 
good?    Yes,  generally?    But  I'm  only  pretty  good?    Sometimes? 

[Plays  with  doll,  looks  up  again.~] 

Mothee,  I  was  in  the  parlor  last  night,  and — and — I  heard  sister 
Tillie  coming, — and — and — because  she  scolds  me  when  I  go  into 
the  parlor  I  hid  behind  the  sofa.  She  played  on  the  piano  a  little 
while,  and — then — the — new — minister — came — in — and — Tillie — ■ 
told  him  she  was  so  surprised  to  see  him,  and — they  held  hands, — 
and  she  looked  and  looked  into  his  eyes  and  then  when  they  turried 
I  ducked  down.  They  came  and  sat  on  the  sofa,  and  Tillie  gave 
a  funny,  shivery  kind  of  laugh,  and  their  two  heads  were  very< 
very  close  together,  and  the  new  minister  said — What? — why, 
Mothee,  I  never  knew  you  to  be  in  such  a  hurry  before,  and  I'm 
telling  you  as  fast  as  I  can — yes,  I  got  up  behind  them  and  saw 
what  he  did.  He  put  his  face  close  to  Tillie's  face  and  said  so 
long  and  close :  "Tillie — dear — I — love — you — more — than  I  love 
the  stars, — more  than  anything  else,"  and  then  they  looked  a  little 
more  into  each  other's  eyes,  and  then  Tillie  said,  "Oo,  oo !"  and 
the  new  minister  took  hold  of  both  her  cheeks  and  kissed  and 
kissed  her,  and  it  sounded  just  like  the  noise  made  by  the  horse's 
hoof  when  he  draws  it  from  the  mud.  That  will  do  ?  But  Mothee, 
he  did.  He  kissed  her  again,  and  then  said,  "Dearest,  how  good 
you  are  to  me  and  how  good  the  Lord  is  to  me,  a  poor  sinner." 
And  Tillie  said,  "Oo,  oo !" 

But,  Mothee,  I  felt  so  good  when  the.  new  minister  said  about 
being  a  sinner  that  I  jumped  up  and  down  and  shouted,  "Let  us 
pray,"  and  you  ought  to  have  seen  them  jump  and  turn  on  me. 
I  tried  to  get  away,  but  I  couldn't,  and  the  new  minister  pulled 
my  ear  and  said  I  was  a  naughty  eavesdropper,  and  he  would  tell 
my  mothee,  and  then  he  let  go  and  said,  "scat"  to  me,  just  as  if  I 
was  a  cat.  I  did  run;  but,  when  I  got  to  the  turn,  I  looked  back 
and — that— new  minister — grabbed — Tillie — so  that  I  was  afraid 
he  was  punishing  her.  But  she  didn't  cry  a  bit.  All  she  did  was 
to  say  "Oo,  oo !"  every  little  while.  Mustn't  ever  tell  anyone 
what  I  heard  or  saw?    Not  even  my  doll?    No?    I'll  try  to  re- 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  39 

member,  because  you  say  you  will  not  punish  me  this  time  for 
being  in  the  parlor.  I  may  go  out  to  play  now?  A  whole  hour? 
You  dear,  darling,  Mothee !  [Pantomimes  hugging  mother.  Exits.~\ 


NELLIE'S  MISSIONARY  GIFT. 


DID  you  ever  want  anything  very  bad,  and  then  have  it  come? 
Then  you  know  how  I  felt  when  that  package  came  from 
my  auntie  in  New  York  and  I  opened  it  and  found  a  pair  of  real 
silk  mitts.  Jack  said  they  were  just  splendorific ;  and  Jack's 
my  brother,  and  he  knows. 

I  had  wanted  some  for  ever  so  long,  but  I  didn't  say  much 
about  it,  because  when  you  live  in  a  little  cuddled  up  house,  and 
your  papa  has  to  buy  bread  and  shoes  for  so  many,  the  money 
flies  away  before  it  gets  around  to  what  little  girls  want.  I  don't 
know  how  auntie  found  it  out,  unless  Santa  Claus  told  her,  and 
it  wasn't  Christmas  time  either.  They  were  such  pretty  brown 
mitts.  Tilly  Jones  said  they  were  just  the  color  of  my  hands, 
but  I  didn't  care  for  that.  Little  hands  will  get  brown  when  they 
weed  the  garden  and  do  so  many  things. 

I  looked  at  them  almost  a  hundred  times  in  two  days,  I  guess, 
and  then  it  came  Sunday.  Wasn't  I  glad?  I  put  them  on  and 
walked  to  church,  just  so.  Jack  said  I  held  my  paws  like  a  scared 
rabbit,  but  I  never  saw  a  rabbit  with  mitts  on.  It  isn't  right  to 
think  too  much  about  what  you  wear  when  you  go  to  Sabbath- 
school,  and  by-and-by  I  didn't,  for,  we  had  such  a  good  Sabbath- 
school,  I  forgot  everything  else. 

A  missionary  man  told  all  the  folks  about  some  poor  children 
away  off;  how  the  fire  had  burned  down  their  school-house,  and 
they  hadn't  any  nice  houses  or  clothes  or  anything,  but  they  were 
trying  so  hard  to  get  along  and  to  learn.  And  he  said  what  was 
given  to  these  little  ones  was  just  the  same  as  given  to  Jesus. 
Think  of  that !  Just  the  same  as  given  to  the  dear  Christ-child. 
I  supposed  everybody  would  give.  Why,  some  of  the  folks  are 
worth  as  much  as  ten  or  a  hundred  dollars,  and  yet  that  basket 
stayed  most  empty. 


40  WERNER'S  READINGS 

I  did  wish  I  was  rich,  and  all  at  once  I  remembered  the  poor 
widow  in  the  Bible.  I'd  read  it  that  very  morning — how  she  had 
given  her  two  mitts,  every  living  mitt  she  had;  it  said  so.  So  I 
slipped  mine  off  and  dropped  them  into  the  basket,  and  I  was  glad 
if  my  throat  did  all  choke  up. 

But  pretty  soon,  when  the  basket  was  carried  up,  the  gentleman 
picked  them  right  out. 

"Has  any  little  girl  lost  her  gloves?" 

Nobody  said  anything,  and  he  asked  again : 

"Did  any  little  girl  drop  her  gloves  into  the  basket  by  mistake?" 

It  was  very  still  in  that  room,  and  I  thought  he  was  looking 
right  at  me;  so  I  had  to  say  something.  It  wasn't  a  mistake,  I 
told  him.  I  wanted  to  keep  them  and  hadn't  any  money;  but  I 
knew  how  the  poor  woman  in  the  Bible  gave  her  two  mitts,  and 
so — then  the  folks  shouted,  they  did,  and  I  felt  as  if  I'd  like  .to 
drop  right  through  the  floor. 

I  knew  I  had  made  some  dreadful  blunder,  but  I  couldn't  see 
what,  for  if  m-i-t-e-s  don't  spell  mitts,  what  does  it  spell?  Of 
course,  I  cried,  but  my  teacher  put  her  arms  right  around  me 
and  whispered,  never  mind,  little  Nellie,  and  she  stood  up  and 
said,  with  her  voice  all  trembling,  "Dear  friends,  this  little  girl 
has  given  her  greatest  treasure.  Have  we  older  ones  done  as 
much?" 

Someway,  the  money  just  poured  into  the  basket  after  that,  and 
the  minister  looked  gladder  and  gladder.  They  brought  my  mitts 
back  to  me,  and  my  teacher  said  she  would  show  me  how  to  get 
some  money  to  give.  But,  oh,  how  full  the  basket  was !  And 
when  the  gentleman  counted  it,  his  eyes  grew  all  wet,  and  he  said 
softly,  though  I  didn't  know  what  he  meant,  "And  a  little  child 
shall  lead  them." 


I've  something  to  say  to  the  mothers  to-night, 
And  this  is  the  something  I'm  going  to  say: 

When  you  were  as  little  as  we, 
Did  anyone  scold  you  and  whip  you  all  day, 

And  send  you  to  bed  before  tea? 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  41 

TWINS  GIVE  THANKS. 


[Girl  standing  with  sister  (supposed  to  be  present)  peering  through 
window,  dances  up  and  down  a  moment,  then  speaks.  Mother  is  sup- 
posed to  come  in  later.] 

LOOK,  Mazie,  see  the  fine  things  the  groceryman  is  taking 
next  door — oh,  do  look,  Mazie !  Isn't  that  just  the  biggest 
turkey  you  ever  saw  ?  And,  oh !  oh !  see  those  cranberries,  and 
apples,  and  celery,  and  sweet-potatoes,  and — my,  Mazie,  won't 
Nanny  Brown  have  a  big  dinner  to-morrow?  [Looks  sorrowful.] 
Oh,  Mazie,  if  we  could  only  have  a  regular  Thanksgiving  dinner 
like  other  folks !  If  we — yes,  just  a  ham,  or  something  to  make- 
believe  turkey — [jz^Vz.?]  if  we  only  could,  Mazie  !  My — my — my 
— if  we  only  could !    Perhaps  we  can't  have  even  a  ham. 

[Pantomimes  sitting  closer  to  sister,  but  looks  around 
room,  then  towards  sister.] 

It's  beginning  to  get  dark,  Mazie,  and  the  fire  is  nearly  out ; 
but  I  guess  it  will  do  for  a  while  longer,  and  mother  will  soon  be 
here.    Let's  watch  for  her.     [Turns  and  looks  out  of  window.] 

Say,  Mazie,  I  just  know  she'll  get  some  money  for  the  dresses 
she  takes  to  Mrs.  Crandall.  And,  then — oh,  Mazie,  you  know  what 
she  said  she'd  do.  What? — why  take  us  down  to-night  and  get 
the  things.  Won't  it  be  fine,  if  she  does?  It's  so  nice  down- 
town ;  the  streets  are  all  lighted  up,  and  people  are  buying  things. 
Oh,  won't  it  be  nice?     [Pantomimes  hugging  sister.] 

Even  if  we  don't  have  turkey,  perhaps  mother  will  buy  sweet- 
potatoes  and  pound-cake  with  frosting  on  it — and,  then,  she's  going 
to  make  little  biscuits  to-morrow — she  said  so ! 

And,  just  suppose  she  gets  some  slices  of  chicken,  or  perhaps  a 
whole  chicken  ! — suppose  she  should — oh,  why  doesn't  she  come ! 

[Looks  anxiously  through  window.] 

Now,  just  suppose  she  does  have  the  money,  and  suppose  she 
doesn't,  what  then?  Oh,  of  course,  she'll  have  it — Mrs.  Crandall 
always  pays  her.  If  she  doesn't,  we  can't  have  anything.  Let's 
go  to  the  fire,  it's  so  cold.     [Sits  by  fire  and  pantomimes  snuggling 


42  WERNER'S  READINGS 

close  to  sister. 1  It's  better  to  sit  this  way,  as  we  can  keep  warmer 
until  mother  can  fix  the  fire.  [Sighs.]  I  wish  mother  didn't  have 
to  work  so  hard.  I  wish  father  was  living,  and — and  we  could 
have  a  nice  Thanksgiving  like  we  had  when  he  was  here — and  a 
glowing  grate  fire  like  in  those  story-books — and  a  warm  shawl 
for  mother — listen ! 

[Stops  breathlessly,  listens.] 

It  must  be — it  is  mother ! 

[Rises  and  hugs  mother.] 

Did  you  get  the  money,  mother,  and  can  we  go  downtown? 
You  didn't  ? — oh,  mother !  Why  ?  Too  busy  to  attend  to  you  ? 
Only  saw  the  servant?  How  mean  of  her!  We  can't  have  any 
Thanksgiving  to-morrow.  [Cries  bitterly,  looks  up  suddenly.] 
There,  mother,  don't  mind.  [Pantomimes  patting  mother's  hand.] 
We'll  have  biscuit — you  can  bake  some,  and  they  will  be  nice — 
perhaps  we  can  have  a  good  Thanksgiving  after  all — a  pretty  good 
Thanksgiving. 

Must  go  to  bed  now?  Only  enough  coal  to  last  over  to-mor- 
row? We'll  snuggle  close,  and  that  will  keep  us  warm.  Say  my 
prayers?  Why  should  we  give  thanks  when  we  have  nothing 
to  be  thankful  for?  We  need  so  many  things,  why  doesn't  God 
give  them  to  us?  He  knows  what  is  best  for  us?  But,  mother, 
it  surely  is  for  your  good  to  have  a  new  shawl.  And  isn't  it  good 
for  us  to  have  more  fire  when  we  need  it?  Trials — I  should  say 
so — but,  mother,  the  Bible  says,  "What  things  soever  ye  desire, 
when  ye  pray,  believe  that  ye  receive  them,  and  ye  shall  have 
them."  How  can  we  believe  that  we  received  them  when  we 
haven't  them?  There  are  many  things  we  have  that  we  do  not 
see,  and  I  believe  the  best  Thanksgiving  is  where  we  give  thanks 
before  we  see  the  things  we  want.  It  is  like  trusting  God  first, 
and  receiving  what  we  want  afterwards.  So  mother  we'll  give 
thanks  now  and  then  go  to  bed. 

[Kneels  with  face  against  chair,  prays  aloud:] 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  43 

"Dear  God,  our  Father,  we  are  glad  that  Thou  art  good  and  kind, 
and  that  Thou  dost  want  us  to  be  happy,  and  that  Thou  dost  not  send 
us  anything  but  good,  nice  things.  We  are  so  glad  that  we  have 
found  it  out,  for  now,  dear  God,  we  can  trust  Thee  and  thank  Thee 
for  the  things  we  want,  even  before  we  see  them.  Because  Thou  sayst 
that  we  have  them  and  so  we  really  must  have  them  now,  only  we 
don't  see  them  yet.  We  thank  Thee,  very  much  indeed,  dear  God. 
Amen." 

[As  she  rises  with  happy  smile  tap  is  heard  and  door 
opens. ] 

Mother,  a  man  wants  you.  Mrs.  Crandall  sends  the  money  to 
mother?  She'll  be  so  glad.  [Hands  money  to  mother,  panto- 
mimes watching  money  being  counted.']  It's  too  much,  mother? 
Double  the  price?  But  here's  a  note :  "In  remembrance  of  Thanks- 
giving— Mrs.  Crandall."  Oh,  mother,  how  lovely,  and  now  we 
can  have  a  real  Thanksgiving.  [Looks  at  door  with  joyous  smile.] 
Mother !  mother !  Mrs.  Crandall's  groceryman  has  brought  us  a 
real  turkey,  and  some  cranberries,  and  celery,  and  sweet-potatoes, 
and  nuts,  and  raisins ;  and  here's  a  note  that  begs  us  to  share  her 
Thanksgiving  festivities.  Oh,  mother,  dear,  God  is  kind,  and  He 
does  send  us  good  things,  only  we  don't  thank  Him  for  them  as 
we  should. 


WOULD  RATHER  WRITE  PLAYS. 


[Girl,  speaker.  Mr.  Walter,  friend  of  her  father,  and  Mrs.  Wal- 
ton, her  mother,  supposed  to  be  present.  Girl,  in  big  chair  in  recep- 
tion-hall, is  fixing  doll.  Bell  rings,  she  jumps  from  chair,  runs  and 
opens  door,  and  addresses  person  supposed  to  stand  there.] 

NO,  papa  is   not  at  home.     No,  mother  is   not  here   either. 
She's  making  a  call  next  door.     She'll  be  back — shall  I  go 
.for  her?    You  may  come  in  and  sit  down. 

Don't  go  for  her?  You'll  wait?  You  never  can  tell  how  long 
mother  will  stay  out.  She  always  has  such  fun,  she  forgets  what 
time  it  is  [smiles  sweetly].  Sit  over  here  in  this  big  chair.  I 
will  entertain  you  until  she  comes  back.  Please  turn  up  the  gas 
before  you  sit.  I  can't  reach  it  without  standing  on  a  chair. 
Everybody's  out  except  Bridget  and  me.  Walter,  that's  my 
brother,  he's  over  to  George  Jones's  house,  and  I  was  fixing  my 


44  WERNER'S  READINGS 

doll.    A  little  while  ago  I  was  writing  a, poem.    Do  you  ever  write 
poems  ? 

[Watches  man  seat  himself  in  big  easy-chair  at  stage 

center;  climbs  on  arm  of  chair  and  swings  legs  at  side 

while  talking  to  him.] 

No?  You  are  too  busy?  A  doctor?  Your  name  is  Walter, 
too  ?  Isn't  that  queer,  and  does  my  papa  know  you  ?  This  is  your 
card  ?  Then  you  went  to  Harvard  like  papa-  did  ?  Did  you  ever 
tie  a  freshman  to  a  tree,  and  get  sent  away  like  papa  did,  and 
then  have  to  beg  to  be  taken  back?  No? — but  you  were  just 
as  bad?  Boys  are  terrible,  aren't  they?  It's  funny  nice  people 
like  you  and  papa  were  the  same  as  our  Walter  and  his  boy 
chums  are.     My,  but  they  are  mean ! 

To  me?  You  guess  they  are  to  me  and  Florence,  my  friend. 
I  guess  because  we  both  have  brothers  is  the  cause.  Brothers  are 
such  a  trouble.  Sometimes  it  doesn't  seem  as  if  we  knew  what 
to  do  with  Walter — and  he  isn't  such  a  bad  boy,  either.  Prob- 
lem? Yes,  I  guess  that  is  what  he  is.  You  see,  Florence  is 
my  best  friend,  and  we  have  lovely  times  together ;  we  have  games 
and  plays,  and  we  both  just  love  to  act.  Florence  wants  to  be  an 
actress,  but  I'd  rather  write  plays.  We're  going  to  have  one  soon 
— we  both  wrote  it,  and  it's — well,  we  think  it's  awfully  nice. 

Where  do  the  boys  come  in  ?  Well,  you  see,  when  we  first  wrote 
it  we  had  two  more  characters — Lord  Lester,  that  was  Walter,  and 
the  Prime  Minister,  that  was  George  Jones.  We  didn't  try  Flor- 
ence's brother,  because  we  knew  he'd  spoil  it.  At  first  it  was  all 
right;  but  the  other  day,  when  we  were  rehearsing,  and  Walter 
and  George  began  to  fool  and  to  make  fun  of  our  speeches,  and 
we  said  they  couldn't  belong  if  they  didn't  quit  and  they  said 
they  belonged,  and  Florence  said — she's  the  queen,  "Then  I  dis- 
own you !"  and  they  laughed  so  and  fell  on  the  floor,  and  we 
dragged  them  out  and  locked  the  door,  and  now  they  are  angry 
and  say  they  are  going  to  spoil  the  whole  thing  if  they  can't  come 
back. 

Next  week.  I'd  like  to  have  you  come  and  see  it.  Mamma  says 
we  can  have  it  here  in  this  room  and  she  will  furnish  the  ice- 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  45 

cream  and  cake,  so  it  will  be  like  a  party,  and  that  the  boys  can't 
bother  us.  Read  the  play?  Oh,  dear  no,  we  don't  write  our 
things.  We  make  them  up  as  we  go  along.  We  only  wrote  the 
boys'  parts  because  they  are  so  stupid;  and  then  they  always  for- 
get, so  we  couldn't  have  them  again  anyway,  and  the  play  is  lots 
better  without  them. 

Yes,«  we  cut  out  the  parts  and  the  actors.  We  are  getting  on 
fine,  Florence  and  I,  and  [voice  and  manner  becoming  very  confi- 
dential] week  after  next  Sothern's  going  to  be  at  our  Opera 
House,  and  we  want  to  see  him,  because  it  would  help  us  a  lot 
with  our  play.     Don't  you  think  so? 

You  do'?  Well,  papa  says  we're  too  young.  But  papa  doesn't 
realize  what  we  plan  to  be  and  how  we  have  got  to  be  educated 
right — it's  important.  You  see,  papa's — well,  I  don't  let  him  know 
I  know  it,  but  it  hurts  him  so  to  say  "No." 

Please  don't  laugh.  You  see,  I  like  you  very  much.  Not  mak- 
ing fun,  only  enjoying  the  surprise  papa  would  get  if  he  knew? 
Oh,  I  see. 

You  want  to  see  the  poems  ?    Really  and  truly  ? 

[Searches  his  eyes  as  if  to  see  if  he  is  telling  the  truth. 
Turns  away,  jumps  from  chair  and  gets  book,  returns,  pan- 
tomimes giving  book  to  him,  climbs  on  arm  of  chair  again 
and  watches  him.] 

Yes,  that's  it — "Ambition."     Let  me  read  it  to  you. 

"Far  up   above   I  see 
Heights  looking  down  on  me, — 

Heights  of  ambition. 
Could  I  but  half  attain 
That  thing  at   which   I  aim, 
Glorious  would  be  my  fame, 

Yet  low  my  submission." 

[Turns  and  looks  at  man  eagerly.'] 

You  think  it's  all  right?  Keep  it  carefully  until  I  am  grown 
up?    Oh,  I'm  so  glad  you  like  it.     I'll  keep  it  always. 

[Face  glows  with  joy.] 


46  WERNER'S  READINGS 

Oh,  you're  just  fine.  You're  the  first  one  that  hasn't  laughed. 
The  next  one  I  wrote  is  sad.  You  see,  I  was  feeling  lonesome 
just  before  you  came  and  so  I  called  it,  "The  Song  of  a  Lonely 
Soul." 

[Turns  to  man  and  rubs  face  against  his  sleeve.] 
Oh,  how  I  love  to  read  to  you.     [Reads.] 

"God  made  me,  that  I  cannot  doubt, 
But  why,  when  made,  should  I  be  so  forgot? 
And  yet  I  know  I'm  wrong;  some  one  must  see 
And  pity  me  in  my  lonely  misery." 

[Hears  door  open,  turns  and  smiles.'] 

Oh,  mamma,  here's  a  man  to  see  papa,  and  here's  his  card,  and 
he  let  me  read  my  poetry  to  him  and  he — get  down  ? — but,  mamma, 
he's  a  real  friend,  and  he  knew  papa  when  he  went  to  Harvard 
and — go  sit  on  the  stool? 

[She  gets  and  brings  stool  to  foot  of  chair  and  sits  look- 
ing lovingly  at  man.] 

Mamma,  I  haven't  bothered  him  a  bit,  and  he's  coming  to  see 
my  play.  He  thinks  it  wouldn't  hurt  me  any  to  see  Sothern,  and 
— go  to  my  room  now?  Mamma,  and  you  have  only  just  come 
in !  Must  I  go  ?  Oh,  I  want  to — good-night,  mamma.  [Panto- 
mimes kissing  mamma  good-night,  goes  back  to  chair  and  looks 
at  man.]  Yes,  mamma  at  once,  but  I  want  to  say  good-night  to 
Mr.  Walter. 

[Holds  out  hands,  turns  up  face  and  pantomimes  being 
kissed  on  forehead.] 

You'll  take  me  and  Florence  to  see  Sothern,  if  mamma  says  so? 
Oh,  mamma,  may  we  go?  You'll  ask  papa,  and  if  he  says  so,  we 
may  go  ?  Oh,  lovely,  lovely,  lovely !  [  Waves  hand  and  exits  on 
a  run  as  if  to  get  to  Florence  and  tell  her  the  news.] 


My  dolly  is  a  Japanese,  and  will  not  say  her  A,  B,  C's, 

No  matter  how  I  coax  and  tease  that  naughty,  naughty  Japanese. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  47 

PAWNING  HER  DOLLY. 


[Girl,  speaker  present;  pawnbroker,  supposed  to  be  present.  In- 
terior of  pawnbroker's  shop.  Girl  enters  very  slowly  with  dilapidated 
looking  doll,  comes  to  full  stop  and  looks  sorrowfully  at  doll.] 

OH,  my  dear,  dear  dolly!  [Broken  voice]  Oh,  my  dear. 
dear  dolly,  I'm  so  miserable  to  let  you  go !  But,  darling, 
don't  you  see,  no  one  else  can  help  but  me !  I'm  mamma's  only 
comfort,  so — good-bye,  good-bye,  dear,  dear,  dearest  dolly! 

I'll  tell  you  all  about  it,  dolly.  Papa  and  mamma  thought  I 
was  asleep  last  night,  but  I  heard  mamma  say,  it  couldn't  be 
helped, — that  papa  must  take  all  the  rest  of  the  things  .to  the 
pawnshop,  because  the  landlord  wouldn't  wait  any  longer.  I've 
not  a  penny  left  to  help  pay  the  rent,  and  we  shall  be  turned  into 
the  street,  papa  said,  if  we  didn't  pay.  Papa's  honest,  but  he  can't 
get  work;  and  he  is  so  big,  and  strong,  and  willing  to  work.  He 
can't  ha.v.e.  »us  turned,  out  into  the  street.  And  so,  dolly,  I  knew 
what  I  had  to  do  to  show  that  I  loved  them. 

I  knew  I  had  something  very  precious,  though  I  am  only  a  little 
girl, — I  have  you,  my  darling  dolly !  I  thought  I  would  get 
enough  money  for  you  to  pay  the  rent — you  are  so  very  valuable. 
Yes,  dolly,  you  "are  all  I  have  to  play  with  now.  How  can  I  let 
you  go !     [Hugs  doll  close  and  kisses  it.'] 

You  must  not  cry,  dear,  dearest  dolly, — look  at  me, — I'm  quite 
brave,  you  see.  But,  oh,  it's  hard  to  send  you  away,  to  pay  that 
horrid  man  to-day. 

[Goes  to  counter  and  looks  up.   Man  seems  to  come  to 
her,  takes  doll  and  looks  at  it.     Girl's  lips  quiver.] 

Don't  give  anything  for  rubbish?  My  dolly  isn't  rubbish!  Not 
give  anything  for  my  dear,  dear  dolly?  Oh,  Mr.  Pawnbroker,  oh, 
sir,  you  surely  mean — you  don't  mean — you  can't !  Papa  and 
mamma  want  the  money  so  badly — won't  you  please  take  her? 
She  is  so  pretty — my  dear,  dear,  dearest  dolly !  She's  worth  such 
a  lot,  sir.  She  belonged  to  my  mamma,  grandmamma,  great- 
grandmamma,  too,  my  mamma  said,  and  it  is  such  a  dear,  sweet 
dolly!    Haven't  you  any  little  girl  like  me?    You  have?  Wouldn't 


48  WERNER'S  READINGS 

she  feel  bad  to  let  her  dolly  go?     I  knew  that,  and  wouldn't  she 
think  her  dolly  was  worth  a  lot  of  money? 

Lot  of  money?  Why,  eleven  dollars  would  be  a  lot,  wouldn't 
it,  sir?  You'll  take  the  dolly,  for  your  baby's  Sake?  Oh,  thank 
you,  sir !  You  will  be  kind  to  her,  I  know !  My  darling  dolly ! 
The  money  I  will  give  to  papa.  I'll  say,  "God  bless  you,"  in  my 
prayers  to-night — good-bye — my  dear — dear — dear — dolly ! 


MONDAY— WASHING  DAY. 


[Enter  girl,  wearing  gingham  dress  and  apron  and  carrying  wash- 
bench,  which  she  places  stage  center.  Goes  out  and  brings  in  tub 
which  she  places  on  bench.  Brings  in  basket  of  doll's  clothes,  several 
small  pails  of  water;  and,  after  examining  clothes  carefully  and  soap- 
ing them,  puts  them  into  tub  and  pours  water  over  them.  Brings  in 
washboard  and  puts  it  into  tub.  Stretches  clothes-line  across  stage 
from  left  to  right,  looks  up  at  ceiling  as  if  trying  to  forecast  the 
weather.] 

DEAR,  dear,  it  does  look  like  rain;  I  hope  the  weather  will 
stay  clear  until  I  get  my  washing  out  and  dried.  [Starts 
slightly,  listens.]  That  sounds  like  Ella  Louise.  [Listens  again.] 
I  certainly  thought  she  was  asleep,  and  that  I  should  be  able  to 
have  a  few  moments'  peace.  Mothers  never  seem  to  get  a  mo- 
ment's peace,  especially  when  there  are  children.  [Exits  and 
brings  back  large  doll — Ella  Louise — ivhich  she  hugs  and  kisses 
and  rocks  in  her  arms.]  There,  you  darling  child,  mother  was 
very  naughty  to  leave  you  all  alone. 

[More  rocking  and  kissing,  then  puts  doll  on  floor  and 

turns  to  tub.    Looks  at  doll  a  moment  then  goes  out  quickly 

and  brings  a  Teddy  Bear,  box  of  toys,  etc.,  and  gives  them 

to  doll.     Watches  doll  a  moment  as  if  pleased  with  her 

happiness,  and  goes  back  to  tub  and  washes  clothes.    While 

washing  she  hums  "Dixie"  ;  suddenly  stops  and  leans  over 

tub  to  look  at  doll.    Looks  up^  at  sky  and  sighs.] 

Dear,  dear,  it  does  look  gloomy;  no  wonder  Ella  Louise  didn't 

stay   asleep.      [Rubs   away,  glances  left,   acts  nervous.]      Mary 

Jones  has  really  got  out  all  her  wash,  and  I  haven't  a  stitch  on 

my  line.     What  will  she  think  of  me — lazy,  perhaps!     But  how 

can  she  judge  me  at  all?     She  doesn't  know  all  that  has  taken 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  00.  49 

place  in  this  house  this  morning,  really  enough  to  drive  a  saint 
wild.  I'll  hurry  and  hang  up  a  few  pieces,  even  though  they  are 
not  washed.  From  her  house  she  won't  know  the  difference — no, 
that  won't  be  right.  I'd  be  trying  to  deceive  her  and  that's  dis- 
honest. Mother  says  always  be  truthful  and  honest.  I  will  be, 
even  though  Mary  Jones  is  ahead  of  me  with  her  work. 

[Goes  on  zvashing,  humming  as  before;  hangs  up  clothes 
after  wringing  them,  turns  and  supposedly  finds  Mary 
Jones  near  her.] 

Good-morning,  Mary.  It  does  one  good  to  see  your  wash  out 
so  early.  Nothing  to  your  credit?  Oh,  I  think  so — no?  Xew 
electric  washing-machine? — just  attach  it  to  electric  light  wire  and 
the  machine  does  the  washing  in  a  few  minutes  ?  That  is  wonder- 
ful, wonderful !  You  must  show  it  to  me ;  and,  if  it  is  as  easy 
as  that,  mother  will  have  to  get  me  one. 

Do  look  at  Ella  Louise — sound  asleep  in  the  midst  of  her  toys ! 
Is  that  the  way  your  Arabella  does?  Isn't  it  too  cute  for  any- 
thing! Yes,  children  are  a  lot  of  care,  but  we  wouldn't  be  with- 
out them.  They  fill  our  hearts  with  love  and  thankfulness  when 
we  realize  the  blessing  of  owning  them.  I  wouldn't  be  without 
my  Ella  Louise  for  all  the  farm,  and  I  know  you  wouldn't  spare 
your  Arabella  or  little  John.  Do  you  know,  I  never  cared  to 
have  a  boy  doll ;  but,  since  I  have  seen  your  John,  I  feel  that  I 
too  must  have  one.  Oh,  if  there  doesn't  go  Lily  Smith  with  her 
new  doll;  she  calls  it  "Oueenie."  Xellie  Wilson  made  fun  of  the 
name,  but  I  knew  she  couldn't  feel  anything  of  envy  because 
Lily  has  such  a  beauti'ul  doll,  and  in  a  little  while  I  heard  Xellie 
say  to  Lily,  "I'm  glad  you  have  so  beautiful  a  doll;  and.  when 
I'm  a  better  girl,  Lncle  Tom  will  give  me  one  too."  In  a  hurry? 
Yes,  I  understand,  we  housekeepers  must  keep  busy  to  get  our 
work  done  each  day.  Good-bye !  Come  over  Wednesday  with 
your  mending  and  we  will  get  it  done  together. 

[Turns  to  tub.  Shakes  water  from  washboard  and  car- 
ries it  off  stage.  Dips  water  from  tub  and  carries  it  off 
stage.  Starts  to  do  so  again,  but  turns  as  if  seeing  some- 
one.] 


SO  WERNER'S  READINGS 

So  glad  to  see  you,  Lily,  and  your  Queenie.  She  looks  charm- 
ing this  morning.  Isn't  it  lovely,  our  children  keep  so  well  and 
strong?  Everybody  loves  healthy  and  happy  looking  children, 
and  we  must  always  keep  ours  so.  Just  stopped  a  moment  to  say 
how-to-do  ?  That  is  good  of  you.  Yes,  the  sun  is  shining  at  last, 
and  I'm  so  glad,  because  now  I  am  sure  I  can  do  my  ironing 
to-morrow.  Help  me  carry  out  the  tub?  That  is  good  of  you. 
But  I  can  manage,  I  guess.  [Carries  out  tub,  then  bench;  picks 
up,  hugs  and  kisses  doll.'] 

You  beautiful  darling,  mother's  precious  girl !  You've  been  so 
helpful  to  mother  this  morning  that  she  will  dress  you,  comb  your 
hair,  and  take  you  for  a  walk  in  the  sunshine.  My  mother  says, 
when  there's  sunshine,  everybody  seems  full  of  joy  and  loving 
thoughts ;  but,  when  there's  shadow,  some  of  us  act  gloomy  and 
hateful,  and  that  is  the  time  to  make  our  own  sunshine  so  clear  and 
bright  that  everybody  loves  to  be  near  us.  We'll  have  some  more 
work  to  do,  Ella  Louise,  to  do  that,  but  do  it  we  can  by  just  a  little 
more  effort.     [Talks  as  she  exits.] 


TUESDAY— IRONING  DAY. 


[Girl  discovered  at  ironing-board,  stage  center,  smoothing  doll's 
dress.  On  floor  is  basket  of  rolled-up  clothes.  Leaning  against  table, 
seated  on  floor,  is  her  doll,  Ella  Louise.  Toys  are  all  around.  As  she 
irons  she  glances  about,  then  at  doll,  then  at  her  work.  Suddenly  she 
listens.] 

DEAR,  dear,  if  that  clock  didn't  strike  eleven,  and  I  haven't 
half  finished  ironing.  If  Ella  Louise  had  only  been  good 
this  morning,  I  could  have  been  done  by  now  and  been  out  walking 
the  same  as  Mary  Jones  and  Lily  Smith. 

Why,  what  am  I  thinking? — I'm  really  blaming  Ella  Louise  for 
what's  my  fault!  I  spoke  angrily  this  morning  to  mother,  and 
had  to  sit  in  the  corner  to  think  it  over.  I  didn't  think  it  over 
very  soon — not  as  soon  as  mother  expected,  and  so  I  didn't  get  at 
my  ironing  until  nearly  ten  o'clock.  Mary  Jones  and  Lily  Smith 
always  seem  to  do  right.  I  guess  it's  because  they  never  let  that 
little  dwarf,  Anger,  or  his  bigger  brother,  Hate,  come  near  them. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50,  51 

I  know  they  must  have  been  very  loving  this  morning  to  be  out 
so  early. 

Well,  Ella  Louise,  we'll  turn  over  a  new  leaf.  I  must,  if  I 
expect  you  to  be  all  right  too.  We  must  be  loving  and  speak 
kindly  thoughts  if  we  expect  to  get  loving  and  kindly  thoughts. 

[Irons  a  while  in  silence.     When  last  piece  is  done  she 
clasps  hands  over  clothes  and  smiles  happily.] 

4  Ella  Louise,  my  ironing  to-day  reminds  me  of  the  boy  who  had 
potatoes  to  hoe.  He  grumbled  and  growled  before  he  began,  and 
the  time  flew  by:  he  didn't  think  of  anything  but  hateful  things; 
and  so,  before  he  knew  it,  it  was  noon.  A  man  came  along  and 
asked  him  what  was  the  trouble.  He  said,  because  he  hated  to 
hoe  potatoes  when  he  wanted  to  play.  Ella  Louise,  if  he  hadn't 
hated  anything,  he  would  have  been  through  in  a  short  time,  and 
then  could  have  played  with  the  boys.  Ella  Louise,  we  won't 
waste  our  time  hating,  or  in  being  angry,  or  in  saying  unkind 
things.  If  we  do  forget  again,  we'll  at  once  say  we  are  sorry, 
so  that  the  unkind  things  won't  hang  on  and  make  us  worse  so 
we  can't  get  into  the  sunshine  again.  [Picks  up  doll.]  Now  we 
can  go  out  into  the  sunshine,  for  our  work  is  done.     [Exits.] 


WEDNESDAY— MENDING  DAY. 


[Girl  discovered  in  rocking-chair  near  table,  stage  center.  At  other 
side  of  table  is  another  rocking-chair.  Girl  rocks  and  darns  stocking. 
After  a  while  looks  at  her  work  and  smiles  as  if  pleased.] 

THAT  is  a  neatly  darned  stocking  and  won't  hurt  Ella  Louise's 
toes  like  the  last  mended  stocking  did.  I'm  sure  Ella 
Louise's  feet  hurt  very  much  because  of  that  stocking.  Mother 
always  takes  such  pains  to  show  me  how  to  darn.  I'm  glad  for 
once  I  can  show  her  a  good  darn. 

[Jumps  up  and  smiles,  holding  out  hand  to  imaginary 
girl  caller.] 

So  glad  to  see  you.  Mary.  Look  at  my  darn.  Isn't  that  well 
done?  I  knew  you'd  think  so.  Have  you  much  to  do?  I  have 
five  pairs  to-day,  so  must  work  fast  to  get  through.    Yes,  I  know 


52  WERNER'S  READINGS 

one  is  apt  to  be  careless  and  do  poor  work  if  one  hurries,  but  I 
mean  to  keep  right  on  until  I  am  done. 

Let's  sit  here  [indicating.']  Now,  we  can  be  as  comfortable  as 
our  mothers  are  when  they  darn  and  talk.  Where  are  Arabella 
and  John  this  morning?  With  your  mother?  Isn't  it  lovely  to 
have  a  mother  with  whom  we  can  leave  our  little  ones  ?  Oh,  yes, 
I  saw  Lily  Smith  and  Nellie  Wilson  this  morning  as  they  went 
by,  but  they  had  no  time  to  stop,  as  they  were  going  to  the  Zoo. 
Perhaps  we  can  go  this  afternoon.  Don't  care  to  go?  I'm  sur- 
prised, really,  I  am.  Because  animals  picture  the  unlovely  side  of 
nature?  Why,  I  don't  know  what  you  mean.  A  lion  would  eat 
you  ?  Yes,  he  would,  or  a  tiger,  or  a  fox,  or  a  wolf,  or  any  wicked 
animal?  Yes,  but  if  you  go  to  see  them  because  you  know  they 
cannot  harm  you, — that  they  do  not  really  wish  to  harm  you,  you'll 
be  all  right.  Mother  said  so,  and  I  believe  mother,  because  when 
I  do  what  she  says  I  always  come  out  right. 

Ella  Louise  is  very  good  to-day  and  seems  to  be  doing  her  best 
not  to  bother  me.  If  she  keeps  on,  she'll  be  a  great  help  to  me 
when  she  is  older.  Children  are  a  great  care.  Oh,  yes,  we  love 
them.  Yes,  they  are  not  a  care  if  we  love  them  rightly  and  under- 
stand them.  Perhaps  that  is  what  I  mean  after  all.  How  careful 
one  must  be  to  be  truthful.  Mother  says  we  must  watch  every 
word  we  speak.  I  guess  she  means  we  must  know  beforehand 
what  we  are  going  to  say,  because,  if  we  didn't,  what  good  would 
it  do  to  watch  after  the  words  are  said? 

There,  I  have  finished  the  last  stocking,  and  so  have  you.  Shall 
we  try  to  go  to  the  Zoo?  No?  To  the  Aquarium?  That's  a 
lovely  -dea.  We  can  see  all  those  beautiful  fish  that  father  spoke 
about. 


ONLY  FIVE. 


I  am  a  very  little  girl, 
I'm  only  five  years  old; 

I  hope  that  none  who  hear  me  speak 
Will  think  I  am  too  bold. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  53 

THURSDAY— "AT  HOME"  DAY. 


[Girl,  with  smiling  face  and  expectant  look,  in  elaborate  s-ilk  gown 
with  long  train,  stands  near  entrance  to  stage.] 

HOW-DO-YOU-DO,  LILY  [to  imaginary  caller]  ?  It's  such 
a  pleasure  to  see  you  once  more.  Did  you  enjoy  the  Zoo 
yesterday?  No?  Queenie  was  frightened  at  the  lion  because  he 
roared  so  ?  You  didn't  tell  her  there  was  anything  that  could  harm 
her?  Frightened  yourself?  No  wonder  Queenie  was  afraid. 
Ashamed,  after  it  was  all  over  ?  Yes,  I  know.  Next  time  you  can 
take  care  of  yourself  better. 

[To  imaginary  caller.]  Dear  Nellie,  this  is  a  treat,  indeed. 
Why,  I  heard  this  morning  that  you  had  a  cold.  You  did  ?  You 
knew  it  was  nothing,  and  soon  it  was  gone?  You  are  bright.  If 
only  we  all  knew  right,  how  soon  we  would  be  glad  too. 

[To  imaginary  caller.]  Margaret,  how  sweet  of  you  to  come 
and  bring  your  lovely  doll.  It  can  walk?  [Watches  doll  zvalk.] 
It  really  does.  Isn't  that  too  lovely  for  anything!  I  must  teach 
my  Ella  Louise  to  walk.  She  is  very  young,  however,  and  has 
plenty  of  time.  Your  other  dolls  can't  walk?  You'll  have  to 
teach  them.  No  works  inside  to  make  them  walk?  Do  they  have 
to  have  works?  To  be  sure,  for  we  have  works  inside  of  us, 
and  so  we  walk. 

[To  imaginary  caller.]  Mary,  it  seems  good  to  see  you  again. 
You  bring  such  a  flood  of  sunshine  with  you  that  the  whole  room 
seems  happy.  Let  us  have  something  to  eat  and  drink.  Mother 
let  me  have  cocoa  to-day  and  some  fancy  cakes  and  candies. 
Aren't  they  lovely?  Yes,  mother  made  the  candies  and  Auntie 
Maude  made  the  cakes.  Mother  said  if  we  were  all  sweet  like 
candies  and  cakes  we  should  have  a  lovely  time.  Are  they  not 
fine?  Lily,  have  some  more,  and  you  too,  Nellie.  I  know  you 
want  them,  and  when  you  want  a  thing  that  is  offered  always  take 
it.  Did  you  see  the  new  play  at  the  Children's  Theater?  No? 
Well,  you  should  go.  Yes,  I  don't  mind.  It's  about  a  naughty 
boy  being  unkind  to  animals  in  the  forest,  and  the  wild  animals 
ask  the  Queen  of  the  Forest  to  help  them.    She  calls  the  boy  and 


54  WERNER'S  READINGS 

asks  him  about  his  mean  acts.  He  tells  her  animals  have  no 
feelings,  and  it  doesn't  hurt  them  to  be  shot.  She  makes  him 
understand  that  they  do  feel,  and  do  want  to  be  liked  and  be 
treated  well.  The  bad  boy  is  sorry,  and  the  Queen  forgives  him, 
and  the  boy  speaks  kindly  to  the  animals  and  they  all  walk  to- 
gether as  friends.    Oh,  it  was  lovely,  lovely ! 

I  knew  you'd  all  want  to  go.  Have  some  more  cocoa,  Mar- 
garet ?  Plenty  ?  Going,  Lily  ?  So  soon !  Had  a  good  time  ? 
I'm  glad.  It's  been  so  nice  having  you.  Good-bye,  Margaret, 
give  my  love  to  your  mother.  Good-bye,  Mary.  Sorry  you  didn't 
bring  Arabella  and  John.  Do  take  a  couple  of  candies  and  cakes 
to  them.  Nellie,  can't  you  and  your  doll  go  with  me  to  the  park 
to-morrow  afternoon?  Mother  says  I  may  take  you.  Yes,  I'm 
going  to  dress  Ella  Louise  in  her  very  best.  All  right.  I'll  look 
for  you  at  three  o'clock.     Good-bye. 

All  gone !  What  a  lovely  time  we  had  to-day !  Mary  was  so 
pleased  because  I  sent  candies  and  cakes  to  her  Arabella  and  John. 
I  must  hunt  up  Ella  Louise  now  and  take  her  some  candies.  The 
cakes  I  will  keep  until  to-morrow.  Too  many  sweets  for  one 
day.  The  candy  is  all  she  needs  this  time.  Mothers  must  be  wise 
in  bringing  up  their  children.     [Exits.-] 


FRIDAY— CLEANING  DAY. 


[Girl,  in  simple  house  dress,  with  hair  inside  sweeping-cap,  has 
broom  in  one  hand  and  duster  in  the  other.  Puts  broom  against  chair 
and  places  duster  on  chair.  Lifts  skirt  up  in  front  and  pins  it  at  back, 
so  that  skirt  is  turned  up  in  front  and  hangs  down  in  back.  Goes 
to  windows  and  pins  up  lace  curtains,  picks  up  rugs  and  pantomimes 
hanging  them  out  of  window,  after  shaking  them;  moves  chairs  to 
one  side  of  room,  then  begins  to  sweep  from  front  of  room  toward 
rear;  stops.] 

DEAR,  dear,  what  a  lot  of  dust !  I  can  hardly  believe  I  swept 
this  room  last  Friday.  Mother  should  get  me  an  electric 
sweeper.  [Goes  on  sweeping  briskly;  stops  as  if  thinking.]  Adam 
was  made  from  dust.  He  went  back  to  dust  again.  I  guess  every- 
thing made  from  dust  remains  dust,  but  mother  says  I  was  made 
good,  and  I  don't  believe  she  thinks  dust  is  any  good,  because 


AND  RECITATIOXS  XO.  50.  55 

she  is  always  trying  to  get  rid  of  it,  but  she  doesn't  want  to  get 
rid  of  me.  Adam  couldn't  have  been  made  good  if  he  was  made 
from  dust,  for  dust  doesn't  last  long,  and  good  things  last  a  long 
time.  Mother  says  sometimes  that  I  am  made  of  sugar  and  spice. 
I  know  sugar  is  good,  but  I  don't  think  spice  is.  I  guess  she 
means  that  I'm  spice  when  I  do  things  that  make  her  talk  to  me 
quietly,  and  that  I'm  sugar  when  she  hugs  and  kisses  me.  I'm 
going  to  try  to  get  mother  to  say  I'm  made  all  of  sugar,  but  then 
sugar  melts,  and  I  don't  want  to  melt  for  then  I'll  be  gone.  But 
that's  a  good  way  to  do.  because  you  leave  nothing  but  sweet  be- 
hind. Dear,  dear !  what  a  lot  of  funny  thoughts ;  but,  after  all. 
I'd  rather  be  made  of  sugar  and  spice  than  of  dust,  and  some  day 
mother  shall  say — just  as  she  says  to  baby  brother — "You  bunch 
of  sweetness !" 

It's  easier  to  be  good  than  bad.  I'm  going  to  be  good  just  as 
I  was  made;  that  will  help  other  little  girls  and  boys  to  be  good. 
Father  says.  "Being  good  sets  an  example  for  others."  So  I'm 
going  to  be  good. 

[Sweeps  remainder  of  room,  dusts  chairs;  unpins  skirt 
and  drops  it;  looks  carefully  around  room;  puts  chairs  into 
their  places:  takes  broom  in  one  hand  and  duster  in  other 
and  starts  for  door.'] 

How  nice  the  room  looks.  I'm  sure  mother  can  say  nice  words '-'■ 
to  me:  she  always  does,  even  when  she  says  very  quiet  words,  for 
she  always  tries  to  help  me  be  what  I  was  made — good.  She 
says,  "Be  good  and  you  will  be  happy.''  It's  true,  for,  when  I 
am  good,  I  am  very,  very  happy.  Xow  I  can  spend  the  rest  of 
the  day  out  of  doors.    Isn't  it  lovely,  just  lovely !     [Exits.] 


GRANDMA'S  POSY-BOWL. 


DELIA  HART  STOXE. 


On  grandma's  birthday.  Maud  and  Bess,  and  Pearl  and  Xed  and 

Clare, 
We  paid  our  dimes  and  nickels  in.  and  bought  a  jardiniere : 
But  grandma  says  that  jardiniere  is  quite  too  long  a  name, 
And  so  she  calls  it  '"posy-bowl,"  which  means  the  very  same. 


56  WERNER'S  READINGS 

SATURDAY— BAKING  DAY. 


[Girl,  in  white  dress  and  large  white  apron,  sleeves  rolled  up,  stands 
at  table,  stage  center,  holding  rolling-pin.  On  table  is  dough  which 
she  rolls;  takes  cake-cutter  in  one  hand  as  she  puts  rolling-pin  on 
table  with  other  hand;  cuts  out  cakes  and  puts  them  into  pan;  puts 
pan  into  oven,  which  she  opens  occasionally  to  watch  cakes;  looks  up 
now  and  then  as  if  speaking  to  some  one.] 

I  LOVE  baking-day.  It  gives  me  pleasure  to  make  cookies  for 
Ella  Louise.  Have  you  seen  Lily  or  Nellie  lately?  No? 
Why,  I  heard  they  were  not  good  friends  now.  Yes,  I  know 
that  it  is  not  right  to  talk  about  our  neighbors.  Yes,  I  do  know 
what  you  mean,  but  then,  one  has  to  tell  what  one  hears  about. 
Speak  only  the  good  you  hear  ?  Why,  that-  would  be  the  same  old 
thing  all  the  time.  When  you  know  two  girls  are  angry  with 
each  other,  you  can  hardly  keep  from  telling  about  it.  That  is 
not  speaking  of  love?  No,  I  know  that,  but  it's  true  just  the 
same.  Of  course,  I  would  rather  think  they  love  each  other,  and 
I  know  they  do,  but  Nellie  said  something  mean  about  Queenie, 
and  Lily  didn't  like  it  and  spoke  angrily.  Yes,  I  heard  it.  What 
did  I  do?  Why,  I  thought  Lily  was  right,  for  Nellie  has  always 
been  jealous  of  Lily's  Queenie.  I  should  have  been  thinking  in- 
stead that  only  love  is  present,  and  that  there  really  couldn't  be 
any  angry  thoughts,  or  words,  or  anything  but  love?  But  how 
could  I  think  that?  By  not  listening  to  the  ugly  words?  By 
remembering  they  truly  loved  each  other?  I'll  try  next  time,  but 
it  is  hard  to  think  about  love  when  you  hear  ugly  things.  I'll  not 
listen  to  ugly  voices  again. 

I  hear  that  Alma  is  back  from  Europe.  Don't  you  know  Alma  ? 
Why,  she's  the  jolliest  girl  at  school.  She  is  always  stopping  us 
from  doing  mean  things.  She  seems  around  just  at  the  right 
time.  One  day  Margaret  was  copying  an  example  from  Lily's 
slate,  because  she  couldn't  do  it,  and  Alma  leaned  over  and  whis- 
pered, "Thou  shalt  not  steal."  Margaret  was  very  angry  until 
teacher  called  up  Alma  for  talking  during  class.  Margaret  got 
right  up  and  said,  "It  is  my  fault,  Miss  Merrill,  that  Alma  spoke. 
Alma  saw  me  cheating  and  stopped  me.    I  didn't  realize  that  copy- 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  57 

ing  was  stealing."     No,  Miss  Merrill  didn't  punish  them,  but  she 
had  a  queer  look.     We  love  her  dearly.     Yes,  Alma. 

[During  following  talk,  runs  to  oven;  takes  out  cakes; 
cleans  table;  puts  pan  of  bread  dough  oh  table;  kneads 
dough.] 

Mary  Jones  has  a  beautiful  gown.  Yes,  pale  blue,  trimmed 
with  lace  and  baby  ribbon.  Her  aunt  gave  it  to  her.  Mary  was 
very  much  pleased,  and  I  was  glad  she  got  it.  She  has  had  so 
few  pretty  dresses.  Mary  has  a  sweet  disposition  and  looks  sweet 
in  anything?  Yes,  that's  so.  But  I  never  thought  about  that.  You 
have  ?  Yes,  you  are  right — she  is  sweet.  There,  my  cakes  are  all 
done,  and  now  my  bread  is  ready  for  the  oven.  Ella  Louise  and 
I  can  go  out  for  a  while.  I'm  glad  you  told  me  about  thinking 
about  love  when  others  are  angry.  I'm  going  to  practise  it.  You 
always  give  me  something  good  to  think  about. 


SUNDAY— DAY  OF  REST. 


[Girl,    entering   hurriedly,    rushes   to    one    side    of    room,   picks  up 

doll,  which  is  undressed;  rushes  to  other  side  of  room  and  picks  up 

doll's    clothes;    goes    to    small    rocker   at    stage    center,    and   begins  to 
dress  doll.] 

OH,  Ella  Louise,  we  are  going  to  get  the  most  dreadful  scold- 
ing if  we  aren't  ready  in  time.  It  is  most  ten  o'clock  and 
you  are  not  even  dressed.  The  new  preacher  is  going  to  be  there, 
and  mamma  said  I  might  take  you  if  you  were  ready.  How  I 
have  had  to  hurry. 

[Gets  up,  looks  about,  puts  doll  dozen   and  examines 
room.] 

What  have  I  done  with  my  parasol? — dear,  oh,  dear — if  that  is 
lost  I'll  never  hear  the  end  of  it !  Let  me  think — I  had  it  in  the 
garden  yesterday.  Then  I  went  to  see  Lily  and  we  went  to  the 
woods.  I  had  it  in  the  candy-store.  I  had  it  in  mamma's  room. 
Oh,  now  I  know  where  I  shall  find  it, — I  put  it  in  my  closet 
behind  the  basket. 


58  WERNER'S  READINGS 

[Goes  to  closet,  comes  back  with  parasol;  puts  on  gloves 
and  hat;  goes  to  and  gazes  into  mirror.  After  admiring 
self  a  while  takes  doll  in  arms  and  goes  out.~\ 

AT  CHURCH. 

[Organ  music.  Girl,  with  doll  and  parasol,  enters,  moves  quietly 
as  if  following  others  into  church.  At  stage  center  halts  as  if  waiting 
others  to  precede  her  into  pew.  Finally  enters  pew,  carefully  places 
doll  on  seat;  bows  head  forward  as  in  prayer;  straightens  up;  gazes 
about;  gets  on  knees  on  bench  and  looks  behind;  seems  to  be  pulled 
back  into  seat.] 

I  wanted  to  see  Lily.  She  has  a  new  dress,  and  her  hat  is  won- 
derful. People  didn't  see  me;  and,  besides,  I  saw  you  looking 
at  Mrs.  Smith's  new  dress;  and,  oh,  mamma,  look  at  Mrs.  Jen- 
kins's new  bonnet !     It's  a  copy  of  yours — yes,  it  is — it  is ;  and 

you  said  yours  was  made  just  for — hush? — it  isn't  easy  to 

[Sits  quietly  a  moment.] 

Oh,  mamma,  there's  Alice  Floyd — yes,  it  is ;  she  came  back  yes- 
terday, for  Willie  Johnson  said  so.  Oh,  I'll  be  still,  but  won't 
the  singing  ever  begin? 

[Sinks  back  into  seat  as  if  weary.    Straightens  up  and 
listens  while  minister  seems  to  read  hymn.     As  music  be- 
gins, she  rises  and  sings,  apparently  holding  hymn-book, 
two  stanzas  of  "Jesus,  Lover  of  My  Soul,"  then  sits  and 
smiles  sweetly  at  doll.] 
You've  been  so  very  good  that  I  will  let  you  put  money  on  the 
plate.     [Turns  suddenly  and  glances  across  aisle.]     Oh,  mamma, 
see !     Johnny  Smith  has  brought  his  dog  with  him.     Look  how 
cute  he  is,  he — [sinks  into  seat  and  wipes  eyes]. 

Never — bring — me — again — to — church?  I  haven't  been  so 
bad;  I  mean — I  mean  to  be  good.  Listen  to  the  sermon?  [Sits 
wide-eyed  and  tries  to  listen.]  Mamma,  isn't  he  ever  going  to  get 
done?  If  he  would  only  tell  us  something  about  Daniel  in  the 
lion's  den,  or  about  Jonah  swallowing  a  big  fish.  He  must  have 
swallowed  a  whale  himself — he  is  so  long  about  it. 

[Sits  quiet  a  while,  puts  money  on  plate,  plays  with  doll; 
suddenly  rises  and  sings  "Doxology" ;  picks  up  doll  and 
walks  out  slowly.  On  way  out,  pats  dog  on  head,  shakes 
hands  with  Lily;  exits.] 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  SO.  59 

AT  HOME. 

Home  again !  What  a  restful  place  it  is  !  Now,  Ella  Louise, 
we  can  really  rest.  Let  us  sit  over  in  this  corner,  and  I  will  tell 
you  a  story  from  my  new  story-book. 

[Opens  story-book  and  begins  to  read.] 

"Once  upon  a  time  there  was  a  funny  man  who  had  to  work 
all  the  time."  Why,  our  Bridget  does  so,  and  so  does  Mary,  and 
so  does  the  coachman.  Why,  I  guess  almost  everybody  has  to  work 
all  the  time.  The  carman  does,  and  the  milkman,  and  the  drug- 
man.  "Well,  this  man  had  to  work  very,  very  hard;  and  he  was 
longing  for  one  day  when  he  could  rest;  so  he  decided  he  was 
going  to  ask  the  dragon  to  make  a  day  of  rest.  The  old  dragon 
lived  in  a  big  cave  and  the  man  walked  a  long  way  to  find  him. 
He  found  him,  but  he  could  not  help  him,  and  so  sent  him  to 
the  owl.  The  owl  passed  him  along  to  the  eagle,  who  passed 
him  on  to  the  Wise  Man.  The  Wise  Man  looked  at  the  man  a 
long  time  and  said,  'Can  it  be  that  any  mortal  does  not  know  that 
one  day  in  each  week  has  been  made  for  rest?'  The  man  said  he 
had  never  heard  of  any  such  day.  The  Wise  Man  said,  'The  day 
appointed  for  rest  is  Sunday.  On  that  day  thou  shalt  not  labor, 
Go  home,  rest  on  Sunday.'  " 

Is  that  not  a  beautiful  story,  Ella  Louise?  I'll  tell  May  Thorpe 
about  it  to-morrow.  She  is  the  new  girl  that  has  moved  into  ouf 
street  and  everybody  is  very  fond  of  her.  Now,  as  to-day  is  Sun- 
day and  the  Wise  Man  called  it  a  day  of  rest,  we  too  must  rest. 
We  will  curl  up  into  this  big  chair  and  go  to  sleep. 

[Climbs  into  chair  with  doll,  fixes  herself  comfortably, 
rests  head  against  arm  of  chair,  and  closes  eyes.  Curtain 
slozcly  falls.  While  curtaiii  falls,  "Sweet  and  Low"  may 
be  sung  by  invisible  chorus.] 


I'm  tired  of  being  a  little  girl,  and  sitting  'round  all  day 
I'm  hardly  big  enough  to  work,  and  I  don't  care  to  play. 
I  guess  I'd  like  to  be  a  bird,  and  sit  upon  a  tree ; 
They  never  hear  a  naughty  word  nor  cry,  as  I  can  see. 


60  WERNER'S  READINGS 

LITTLE  BUSY-BODY. 


MRS.  L.  G.  MORSE. 


[Girl,  speaker  present,  talks  directly  to  audience.] 

THEY  say  I  am  full  of  mischief;  but  they  don't  speak  the 
truth.  Maria  is  the  only  one  that  knows,  and  she  says  I'm 
a  busy-body. 

I  did  so  much  work  yesterday  that  I  nearly  got  tired.  First, 
mamma  said  she  was  going  to  a  wedding.  I  knew  she  was,  for  I 
saw  her  best  bonnet  out  of  its  box,  on  her  bed.  So,  while  she 
was  talking  to  Katy  in  the  kitchen,  I  climbed  all  the  way  up-stairs, 
and  dragged  it  down  to  her  myself. 

I  don't  know  what  they'd  have  done  without  me  yesterday, 
for,  after  mamma  had  gone,  Maria  was  careless.  She  left  a  basin 
of  water  on  the  table.  She  forgot  all  about  it,  so  I  went  to  put  it 
away  for  her,  because  I  was  afraid  that  mamma  might  come  back 
and  knock  it  over  on  to  the  carpet.  It  wasn't  my  fault  that  it 
slid  out  of  my  hands  and  broke  itself.  /  was  careful,  and  Maria 
said  nobody  else  but  just  me  would  ever  have  thought  of  putting 
it  away  for  her.  •' 

My  sister  Bessie  doesn't  try  half  so  hard  to  help  people.  She 
sat  in  her  little  arm-chair  all  the  time,  tying  up  Susan  Hopkins's 
joints.  She  thinks  Susan  is  the  best  of  all  our  dolls,  but  I  don't. 
Her  joints  are  all  loose,  and  her  legs  rattle.  Bessie  isn't  so  much 
use  as  I  am.  She  kept  out  of  the  way  tending  to  Susan,  while 
Maria  had  to  change  every  one  of  my  clothes,  because  the  naughty 
water  sloshed ;  and  Bessie  didn't  even  pick  up  the  broken  pieces 
of  basin  for  poor  Maria !  Maria  told  her  not  to  touch  them  for 
fear  she'd  get  her  feet  wet  and  cut  her  fingers. 

Afraid !  They're  afraid  of  everything.  The  very  minute  Maria 
had  me  dressed  again,  I  began  to  pick  up  the  pieces  for  her,  and 
I  didn't  cry  even  when  I  did  cut  my  hand,  and  the  blood  got  all 
over  my  nice  clean  apron.  I  don't  think  it  was  very  polite  of  Maria 
to  set  me  down  so  hard  on  a  chair,  and  tell  me  not  to  move  till 
she'd  cleared  up  the  floor. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  61 

Bessie  is  bigger  than  I  am,  but  she  just  plays  while  there's  work 
going  on;  and  only  see  how  much  work  I've  done  this  morning! 
I've  fixed  up  mamma's  work-basket  for  her,  and  I've  stuffed  all 
the  rags  and  little  pieces  of  our  new  dresses  that  were  piled  up 
on  the  machine,  into  papa's  collar  drawer.  Then  I  cleared  up 
a  whole  lot  of  things  for  Maria.  She  went  to  answer  the  door- 
bell, and  while  she  was  gone,  I  took  papa's  clothes-whisk  and 
swept  up  a  big  pile  of  dust  she  left  on  the  hearth,  and  dumped  it 
where  nobody  can  see  it,  in  a  dark  corner  of  the  closet,  under 
mamma's  dresses. 

It  was  real  lucky  I  went  to  the  closet,  too,  for  I  found  the  waist 
of  mamma's  best  walking-suit.  I  heard  her  say  one  day  that  she 
was  going  to  change  the  trimming  on  the  sleeves,  so  I  took  it 
out,  and  I'm  going  to  get  a  needle  and  thread  and  do  it  for  her 
my  own  self.  The  ends  of  the  lace  will  have  to  be  cut  off,  I  guess, 
because  they'll  get  in  the  way  of  the  needle,  but  I  know  where 
mamma  keeps  her  sharp  scissors,  so  I  can  do  it  easy.  I  hid  the 
waist  in  the  coal-scuttle  that  Maria  fills  the  stove  out  of,  and  I 
suppose  if  I  don't  hurry  she'll  burn  it  up.  Mamma'll  be  real  sur- 
prised when  she  sees  how  nice  I've  fixed  it  for  her. 


MINISTERS. 


FOLKS  say  that  ministers  are  always  very  solemn,  but  I  don't' 
believe  it.  I've  known  two  of  them,  and  they  are  both 
awfully  jolly.  The  one  we  have  now,  he  comes  to  our  house  ever 
so  often.  Mamma  says  it  is  to  see  sister,  but  I  don't  believe  it, 
for  he  asks  for  me  and  takes  me  in  his  lap  and  tells  me  stories, 
and  brings  me  candy  too.  I  asked  him  the  other  night  which 
he  liked  the  betcer  and  he  kissed  me  and  looked  ever  so  tickled 
while  Maggie  got  as  red  as  a  beet.  I  guess  she  was  mad  because 
he  did  not  kiss  her. 

He  dances  too,  and  it  is  fearfully  bad  for  a  minister  to  dance. 
One  time  I  came  home  from  school,  I  saw  his  hat  on  the  rack, 
■  and  I  rushed  into  the  parlor — he  was  standing  with  his  arms 
around  Maggie.     I  asked  him  what  he  was  doing;  he  said  he 


62  WERNER'S  READINGS 

was  giving  her  waltzing-lessons,  so  you  see  he  does  dance  too. 
I  told  old  Mrs.  Jones,  and  she  said  she  was  going  to  investigate 
the  matter. 

One  Sunday  I  went  before  meeting-time  and  climbed  into  the 
pulpit  to  wait  for  him,  for  I  wanted  to  ask  him  if  he  wouldn't 
preach  shorter,  for  I  get  so  sleepy.  I  must  have  come  too  early, 
for  I  fell  asleep  waiting  for  him,  and  when  I  woke  up  everybody 
was  there.  He  was  bending  over  me  laughing.  I  told  him  what 
I  wanted.  I  asked  him  if  I  could  stay  up  there  with  him  and  he 
said  I  might,  for  he  did  not  want  anybody  to  know  I  was  there, 
and  when  he  had  preached  long  enough,  I  pinched  hirr^aod  he 
laughed  right  out  loud  and  everybody  stared,  so  after  church  he 
had  to  tell  them  what  was  the  matter.  But  I  like  ministers  and 
I  will  stick  up  for  them  anyway. 


HER  VIEW  OF  BOYS. 


THE  boy  is  not  an  animal,  yet  he  can  be  heard  to  a  consider- 
able distance.  When  a  boy  hollers,  he  opens  his  big  mouth 
like  frogs,  but  girls  hold  their  tongue  till  they  are  spoken  to,  and 
then  they  answer  respectable  and  tell  just  how  it  was.  A  boy 
thinks  himself  clever  because  he  can  wade  where  the  water  is 
deep.  When  the  boy  grows  up,  he  is  called  a  husband;  and  then 
•he  stops  wading  and  stays  out  nights,  but  the  grown-up  girl  is  a 
widow  and  keeps  house. 


A  NAUGHTY  GIRL. 


AUGUSTA  KORTRECHT. 

SOMETIMES  when  I  am  naughty 
And  am  sent  away  to  bed, 
My  bedstead  heaves  a  mighty  sigh, 

And  shakes  its  walnut  head. 
And  as  I  lie  and  look  about 
What  do  you  think  I  see? 
My  little  yellow  booties 

Sticking  out  their  tongues  at  me ! 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  63 

PART  II. 
GIRL  VERSE  IMPERSONATIONS 

CHILD'S  FANCIES. 


JENNIE  L.  LYALL. 


WHEN  I  was  just  a  little  girl, 
Away  back  long  ago, 
I  never  thought  the  world  was  round. 
Though  people  told  me  so. 

Nor  that  the  sun  was  shining 

On  a  dull,  dim,  cloudy  day — 
I  knew  that  he'd  gone  off  somewhere, 

Or  else  gone  out  to  stay. 

I  thought  the  rosy  little  clouds 
That  came  when  sun  went  down 

Were  where  the  little  angels  slept, 
As  soft  as  softest  down. 

And  that  the  stars  that  winked  and  blinked 

Away,  'way  up  so  high, 
Were  lanterns  which  the  angels  used 

To  light  them  through  the  sky. 

One  thing  I  knew,  of  this  was  sure 

(I  proved  it  in  my  play)  — 
That  night-time  was  not  half  so  long 

As  bright  and  sunny  day. 

I  went  to  bed  and  fell  asleep, 

And  then  woke  right  up  bright — 

About  a  minute,  I  should  think — 
And  there  it  was,  daylight ! 


64  WERNER'S  READINGS 

They  said  'twas  hours  and  hours  I'd  slept, 

Taking  my  rest  and  ease. 
(I  didn't  think  it  could  be  true — 

They  said  it  just  to  tease.) 

I  thought  it  was  a  funny  world, 
With  things  all  turned  about, 

And  what  I  wanted  most  to  know 
I  never  could  find  out. 

Now  that  I  am  a  great  big  girl,, 

This  I  will  say  to  you : 
I'm  busy  yet,  and  trying  hard 

To  find  out  what  is  true. 


BAD  DREAM. 


MY  foot's  asleep !     My  foot's  asleep 
Oh,  dear!     What  shall  I  do? 
It's  dreaming  of  a  hundred  pins 
That  prick  me  through  and  through. 

It's  dreaming  of  a  hornet's  nest, 

With  forty  thousand  stings, 
It's  dreaming  of  a  million  sparks — 

The  fiery  burning  things. 

Oh,  dear !    Oh,  dear !    I'm  punished  well, 

'Twas  very  wrong,  I  know, 
To  sit  so  long  upon  the  floor, 

And  dilly-dally  so. 

Gnmms's  Fairy  Tales  were  in  my  hand, 

The  duster  in  my  lap ; 
And  so  my  foot  improved  th^  time 

To  take  a  little  nap. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  65 

ARTIST. 


[Girl  holds  palette  and  brushes.] 

I'VE  painted  an  old  hen  as  black  as  a  crow, 
And  her  chickens  pink,  white  and  blue, 
A  little  mouse  red,  a  pink  and  blue  cat, 
And  a  dear  little  white  kitten,  too. 

I've  painted  some  roses  yellow  and  red, 

With  leaves  the  bluest  I've  seen; 
For  I  never  could  see  why  roses  bright 

Had  leaves  of  such  sober  green. 

Papa  said  my  chickens  looked  "bright  as  could  be," 

Called  my  roses  a  "species  rare" ; 
And  he  smiled — I  guess  he  is  proud  of  me, 

When  I  showed  him  a  girl  with  pink  hair. 

I'll  paint  some  big  pictures  when  I  grow  up. 

What  of?     I'm  sure  I  can't  tell; 
But  I'll  ask  a  hundred  dollars  apiece 

For  every  picture  I  sell. 

I  could  tell  you  much  about  "Crimson  Lake," 
About  yellow,  "Naples"  and  "Chrome"; 

But  perhaps  I  had  better  not  stop  to-day — 
They'll  be  looking  for  me  at  home. 


WHAT  I  HAVE. 


I   HAVE  a  little  nose,  and  I  have  a  little  chin, 
And  a  little  mouth,  just  here,  to  put  my  dinner  in. 
These  are  my  little  eyes,  with  lids  to  shut  them,  so; 
And  these  are  little  ears — I  hear  with  them,  you  know. 
These  are  my  little  hands,  eight  fingers  you  can  see, 
And  two  small  thumbs,  as  well,  which  all  belong  to  me. 
Two  legs,  on  which  I  stand,  two  feet,  with  which  I  walk, 
Two  rosy  lips,  to  kiss,  a  tongue,  with  which  I  talk. 
Two  little  chubby  arms,  to  put  round  mother's  neck, 
When  o'er  my  cot  she  bends  at  night,  and  when  I  wake. 


06  WERNER'S  READINGS 

MAKING  CALLS. 


[Girl  wears   long  dress   and  hat  and  carries  basket  on  arm.] 

DO  you  not  think  I  look  funny? 
I  have  come  to  make  you  a  call ; 
I  have  my  work  in  my  basket, 

My  mending  and  knitting  and  all. 

The  children  are  all  well,  I  thank  you, 

But  baby,  who  has  a  bad  cold, 
She's  the  dearest  little  baby, 

And  she'll  soon  be  half  a  year  old. 

She  came  to  our  home  last  Christmas, 

Yet  it  seems  only  yesterday; 
How  pretty  she  looked,  the  darling! 

Her  name  is  Miss  Violet  May. 

I  cannot  make  calls  to-morrow, 

For  I  have  my  cooking  to  do; 
I  must  make  some  pies  and  puddings, 

And  do  hard  enough  work  for  two. 

And  all  because  my  naughty  cook 

Got  cross  and  went  away; 
We  mothers  do  have  such  hard  times 

In  getting  a  girl  who  will  stay. 

Good-bye !  you  must  come  and  see  me ; 

Don't  ask  me,  I  cannot  stay ; 
I  must  go  right  home  to  the  children, 

There'll  be  mischief  while  I'm  away. 


If  other  little  girls  can  speak,  I  think  that  I  can,  too, 

So  I'll  just  tell  you  whom  I  love;  I  hope  you'll  hear  me  through. 

I  love  my  papa  and  mamma,  my  sisters  and  my  brothers, 

And  then  I  love  old  Santa  Claus,  and  many,  many  others. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  Q 

MY  TEN  DOLLIES. 


MAY  BYRON. 


[Girl    should    show   different   doll   as   she    speaks.        All   dolls    are 
grouped  in  final  tableau.] 

I'M  going  to  tell  you  the  story  sad 
Of  all  the  dollies  I've  ever  had : 
Some  of  them  lasted  years  and  years, 
But  they  came  to  an  end  at  last,  poor  dears. 

Some  had  names,  and  some  had  none, 
But  I  loved  them  fondly,  every  one ; 
Some  were  big  and  some  were  small, 
But,  ugly  or  pretty,  I  liked  them  all ! 

The  first  I  cared  for  ever  so  much, 

Her  name  was  Jane,  her  figure  was  Dutch. 

But  she  lay  on  the  floor  ((his  was  my  fault 

rather), 
And  was  trampled  on  (by  mistake)  by  father. 

The,  next  was  a  gallant  soldier  man 
In  a  scarlet  uniform  spick  and  span. 
But  when  we  moved — O,  how  unkind ! — 
In  the  empty  house  he  was  left  behind. 

Dear  old  Rag-doll,  she  was  another — 
I'm  sure  I  made  her  a  loving  mother. 
But  the  puppy  ate  her — he  did,  indeed ! 
And  I  only  hope  that  she  disagreed. 

Then  there  was  beautiful  Betsy  Brown, 
With  her  curly  hair  and  her  scarlet  gown: 
She  was  black  all  over,  as  black  as  night, 
Till  she  fell  in  the  bath  and  came  out  white. 

The  China  Doll,  though  she  couldn't  squeak, 
Was  very  pretty  and  lasted  a  week. 
And  then — for  want  of  taking  care — 
She  broke  herself  by  a  fall  from  a  chair. 


68  WERNER'S  READINGS 

Then  for  a  while  I  was  very  happy, 
Playing-  about  with  dear  little  Jappy, 
But — though  I  cannot  think  how  she  could — 
She  did  get  lost  in  a  primrose  wood. 

The  Golliwogg,  though  extremely  plain, 

Was  nice  to  hold  in  a  railway  train. 

But  Baby  took  him,  and  threw  him  about, 

And  the  window  was  open — so  Golly  dropped  out. 

Then  father  bought,  as  he'd  promised  to  do, 

A  Sailor  Boy  in  a  suit  of  blue. 

I  loved  him  the  best  of  all  the  lot,— 

But  he  drifted  to  sea  upon  Tom's  toy  yacht. 

Punch  was  the  next — not  quite  a  dolly, 

But  very  funny  and  merry  and  jolly, 

But  he  fell  in  the  dust-bin — I  don't  know  how — 

And  no  doubt  the  dustmen  have  got  him  now. 

The  Zulu  doll  was  something  quite  new ; 
I  thought  her  a  darling,  and  so  would  you. 
I  gave  her  away  to  the  cook's  little  sister, 
Who  was  ill  in  bed.    And  oh,  how  I  missed  her!« 

The  big  wax  doll  was  so  very  fine, 
I  never  could  think  she  was  really  mine; 
I  felt  quite  shy  to  nurse  and  tend  her, — 
Till  she  melted  down  at  the  nursery  fender. 

But  now  I've  a  family — ten,  no  less ! 
Sweet  to  play  with,  and  easy  to  dress. 
And  I  hope  that  nothing  will  ever  go  wrong, 
But  we  all  shall  live  happy  our  whole  life  long! 


See  what  a  heap  of  flowers  I  have,  they're  in  my  hat — look  here! 
I  gathered  them  myself,  to-day,  for  my  own  mamma  dear. 
I  think  she'll  like  them  very  much,  and  I  know  what  she'll  say. 
She'll  say — "Why,  these  are  very  sweet,  thank  you,  my  little  May." 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  69 

DEAR  LITTLE  GOOSE. 


MARY  MAPES  DODGE. 


WHILE  I'm  in  the  ones,  I  can  frolic  all  the  day ; 
I  can  laugh,  I  can  jump,  I  can  run  about  and  play. 
But  when  I'm  in  the  tens,  I  must  get  up  with  the  lark, 
And  sew,  and  read,  and  practice,  from  early  morn  till  dark. 

When  I'm  in  the  twenties,  I'll  be  like  sister  Jo; 
I'll  wear  the  sweetest  dresses  (and,  maybe,  have  a  beau)  ; 
I'll  go  to  balls  and  parties,  and  wear  my  hair  up  high, 
And  not  a  girl  in  all  the  town  shall  be  as  gay  as  I. 

When  I'm  in  the  thirties,  I'll  be  just  like  mamma; 
And,  maybe,  I'll  be  married  to  a  splendid  big  papa. 
I'll  order  things,  and  go  to  teas,  and  grow  a  little  fat, 
(But,  mother  is  so  sweet  and  nice,  I'll  not  object  to  that). 

Oh,  what  comes  after  thirty?    The  forties!  mercy,  my! 
When  I  grow  as  old  as  forty,  I  think  I'll  have  to  die; 
But  like  enough  the  world  won't  last  until  we  see  that  day, 
It's  so  very,  very,  very,  very,  VERY  far  away! 


LESSON  FOR  MAMMA. 


SYDNEY   DAYRE. 
< 

DEAR  mamma,  if  you  just  could  be 
A  tiny  little  girl  like  me, 
And  I  your  mamma,  you  would  see 

How  nice  I'd  be  to  you. 
I'd  always  let  you  have  your  way; 
I'd  never  frown  at  you,  and  say, 
"You  are  behaving  ill  to-day; 
Such  conduct  will  not  do." 


70  WERNER'S  READINGS 

I'd  always  give  you  jelly-cake 
For  breakfast,  and  I'd  never  shake 
My  head,  and  say,  "You  must  not  take 

So  very  large  a  slice." 
I'd  never  say,  "My  dear,  I  trust 
You  will  not  make  me  say  you  must 
Eat  up  your  oatmeal" ;  or  -"The  crust, 

You'll  find  it  very  nice." 

I'd  buy  you  candy  every  day ; 

I'd  go  downtown  with  you,  and  say, 

"What  would  my  darling  like?     You  may 

Have  anything  you  see." 
I'd  never  say,  "My  pet,  you  know 
'Tis  bad  for  health  and  teeth,  and  so 
I  cannot  let  you  have  it."     No; 

It  would  be  wrong  in  me. 

And  every  day  I'd  let  you  wear 
Your  nicest  dress,  and  never  care 
If  it  should  get  a  great  big  tear; 

I'd  only  say  to  you, 
"My  precious  treasure,  never  mind, 
For  little  clothes  will  tear,  I  find." 
Now,  mamma,  wouldn't  that  be  kind? 

That's  just  what  I  should  do. 

I'd  never  say,  "Well,  just  a  few!" 
I'd  let  you  stop  your  lessons,  too; 
I'd  say,  "They  are  too  hard  for  you, 

Poor  child,  to  understand." 
I'd  put  the  books  and  slates  away; 
You  shouldn't  do  a  thing  but  play. 
And  have  a  party  every  day, 

Ah-h-h,  wouldn't  that  be  grand? 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  "J\ 

But,  mamma  dear,  you  cannot  grow 
Into  a  little  girl,  you  know, 
And  I  can't  be  your  mamma;  so 

The  only  thing  to  do, 
Is  just  for  you  to  try  and  see 
How  very,  very  nice  'twould  be 
For  you  to  do  all  this  for  me. 

Now,  mamma,  couldn't  you? 


WASHING-DAY. 


WHILE  mother  is  tending  baby 
We'll  help  her  all  we  can ; 
For  I'm  her  little  toddlekins, 

And  you're  her  little  man. 
And  Nell  will  bring  the  basket. 

For  she's  the  biggest  daughter, 
And  I'll  keep  rubbing,  rubbing, 

And  you'll  pour  in  the  water. 
And  now  we'll  have  to  hurry, 

Because  it's  getting  late; 
Poor  dolly  isn't  dressed  yet, 

But  dolly'll  have  to  wait. 
I'll  pour,  and  you  can  rub  them, 

Whichever  you  had  rather; 
But  seems  to  me,  if  I  keep  on, 

We'll  get  a  quicker  lather. 
Maybe  when  mother  sees  us 

Taking  s.o  much  troubles, 
She'll  let  us  put  our  pipes  in 

And  blow  it  full  of  bubbles. 
But  now  we'll  have  to  hurry, 

Because  it's  getting  late; 
And  dolly  isn't  dressed  yet, 

But  dolly'll  have  to  wait. 


72  WERNER'S  READINGS 

DOLLY'S  MAMMA. 


I  AM  this  dolly's  mamma,  and  I'm  very  proud  to  say, 
That  she  was  born  at  my  house  on  a  lovely  Christmas  day. 
She  once  had  golden  ringlets  and  such  shiny  eyes  of  blue, 
And  this  hole  in  her  face  is  where  one  pretty  eye  fell  through. 
She's  had  the  whoopsy-floopsies  and  she's  had  the  whooping-cough, 
And  I  wash'd  her  in  hot  water  and  it  made  her  hair  come  off. 
She's  onjy  got  one  leg  and  so  she  cannot  walk  about, 
And  I  must  get  her  mended  where  the  sawdust's  coming  out. 

CHORUS. 

I've  got  a  big  menagerie,  I've  got  a  lot  of  toys, 
I've  got  a  little  woolly  dog  that  barks  and  makes  a  noise; 
I've  got  a  wooden  horsie  and  a  little  wooden  cart, 
But  this  old  busted  dollie  is  the  idol  of  my  heart. 

She  used  to  call  for  mamma  when  I  pulled  a  little  string, 
And  when  I  squeezed  her  stomach  she  would  try  so  hard  to  sing; 
But  now  she  never  says  a  word  because  some  naughty  boys 
Have  taken  out  the  little  thing  that  used  to  make  the  noise. 
Last  summer,  when  the  daisies  and  the  buttercups  were  here, — 
Oh,  I  was  so  sick  that  papa  thought  he'd  lose  his  little  dear, 
And  no  one  came  to  see  me  when  my  face  got  awful  red; 
But  dolly  wasn't  scared  a  bit, — she  slept  right  in  my  bed. 

[Chorus] 

I've  got  another  dolly  that  I  very  seldom  see, 

She's  such  a  lovely  lady  that  she  cannot  play  with  me. 

My  mamma  thinks  I'd  break  her  and  .1  really  think  I  would, 

For  till  a  dolly's  broken  I  don't  think  it's  any  good; 

She's  dress'd  up  like  a  lady  in  the  finest  silk  and  lace, 

And  I  know  just  where  to  find  her  for  I've  seen  her  hiding-place ; 

But  I  prefer  this  dolly  that  is  falling  all  apart, 

For  she's  the  sweetest  darling,  and  the  idol  of  my  heart. 

[Chorus] 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  73 

A  DREADFUL  MISTAKE. 

SUCH  a  dreadful  mistake !     I  really 
Don't  know  what  I  ever  shall  do! 
You  must  never  tell  anyone,  truly, 
If  I  tell  it  to  you. 

You  see,  it  kept  getting  barker 

And  darker  and  I  couldn't  wait; 
I  thought  papa  never  was  coming, 

It  was  getting  dreadfully  late. 

I  stayed  on  the  porch  and  waited 

Till  I  felt  just  dreadfully  bad — 
But  just  then  I  heard  papa  coming 

And  you  can  guess  I  was  glad ! 

I  ran  down  the  walk  to  meet  him 

And  cried,  "Is  it  really  you? 
I  thought  you  never  were  coming 

And  I'd  saved  my  best  kiss  for  you !" 

"Is  that  so,  puss?"  he  answered, 

"Let  me  have  it  then,  quick  as  you  can." 

And  it  wasn't  papa  at  all, 

But  my  sister  Sue's  young  man ! 


FAMILY  AFFAIR. 


THAT  troubled  old  woman  who  lived  in  a  shoe, 
When  Christmas  came  'round,  pray  what  did  she  do? 
With  all  of  those  children  to  furnish  with  toys — 
Those  cross  little  girls,  and  those  bad  little  boys? 
I'll  tell  you :   You  know  that  old  woman  was  wise, 
And  she  hung  up  the  stocking  of  marvelous  size, 
That  belonged  to  the  shoe ;  and  that  you  can  see, 
Held  presents  enough  for  the  whole  fam-i-lee. 


74  WERNER'S  READINGS 

LEARNING  THEIR  LETTERS. 


NOW,  little  kitty,  come  to  me, 
And  learn  to  say  your-  letters. 
"Mew-ew-ew ! — meow — yeow,  mee-ow !" 
And  so  she  mews  her  letters. 

A,  B,  C,  D,  E,  F,  G— 

Why  don't  you  speak  each  letter? 
H,  I,  J — there,  that's  the  way! 

Says  kitty,  "I  know  better !"  • 

Now,  little  doggy,  come  to  me, 
And  learn  to  say  your  letters. 

"Bow-wow-wow !    Wow-wow-ow-ow !" 
And  so  he  barks  his  letters. 

Now,  little  rooster,  come  to  me, 
And  learn  to  say  your  letters. 

"Kickery-kee !  Co-doodle-doo !" 
And  so  he  crows  his  letters. 

Now,  big  lion,  come  to  me, 
And  learn  to  say  your  letters. 

"Ro-wo-oh!     Oh!  wo-o-oh!"- 
And  so  he  roars  his  letters. 

Now,  little  laddie,  climb  my  knee, 
And  learn  to  say  your  letters. 

"A,  B,  C,  D,  E,  F,  G!" 

And  so  he  names  his  letters. 

"A,  B,  C,  D,  E,  F,  G !" 

The  dear  old  lesson  learning. 

"H,  I,  J,"  sweet  lips  will  say, 

Till  the  big  round  earth  stops  turning! 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  75 

GROWING  OLD. 


I'M  six  years  old  this  morning,  mother, 
I  must  get  up  right  away; 
I  never  was  near  so  old  before, 

As  I'm  going  to  be  to-day ! 
I  can  cook  your  breakfast  now,  I  think, 

And,  if  papa'd  let  me  try, 
I  know  I  could  say  the  blessing, 
To  our  Father  up  in  the  sky ! 

This  dress  has  got  to  be  fixed ;  some  way 

It  chokes  me  round  my  waist; 
My  shoes  pinch  more  than  they  used  to — 

I  guess  I  won't  have  them  laced; 
You  needn't  bring  warm  water,  now — 

I  can  wash  just  as  well  in  cold — 
I  had  to  have  it  when  I  was  five, 

But  not  when  I'm  six  years  old. 

Where  do  all  my  birthdays  come  from  ? 

And  where  do  they  go  to  ? — say ! 
Where  is  the  five  that  I  used  to  be, 

And  the  six  that  I  am  to-day? 
Does  God  keep  them  all  for  the  children, 

And  send  them  down  from  the  sky? 
And  when  the  birthdays  are  all  used  up, 

Is  that  what  makes  us  die? 

Ho,  hum  !    I'm  most  a  big  lady ! 

When  some  more  of  my  birthdays  come, 
I  s'pose  I'll  marry — the  girls  all  do — 

And  live  in  some  other  home. 
What'll  you  and  papa  think  of  that? 

Don't  you  guess  you'll  sometimes  say, 
"How  I  wish  the  child  was  back  again, 

Just  six  years  old  to-day  !" 


76  WERNER'S  READINGS 

DOLL  TOPSY. 


I'VE  got  a  doll  called  Topsy, 
She's  black  as  black  can  be. 
I  really  think  a  blacker  face, 
I  never  yet  did  see. 

When  first  I  got  poor  Topsy, 
Tom  called  her  "little  fright," 

And  said,  "Now,  Moll,  if  I  were  you 
I'd  try  to  wash  her  white." 

So  I  got  some  soap  and  water, 

But  it  wasn't  any  good, 
For  she  kept  as  black  as  ever, 

Rub  and  scrub  her  as  I  would. 

But  still  I  love  her  dearly, 
And  so,  I'm  sure,  would  you, 

For  she's  so  good,  and  always  does 
What  her  I  tell  to  do. 

I  think  it  does  not  matter, 
Be  my  dollie  black  or  white, 

If  only  she  will  try  each  day 
To  do  the  thing  that's  right. 


HER  REASONS. 


SOMETIMES  when  folks  would  say,  "Don't  touch,"  "don't 
listen,  run  along!" 
Or,  when  I  had  been  naughty  and  everything  went  wrong, 
I'll  whisper  you  a  secret — I  us'ed  to  really  wish 
I  wasn't  born  a  little  girl,  but  just  a  bird  or  fish. 
Or  else  a  little  kitty-cat,  with  one  black  coat  of  fur, 
(For  when  I'm  all  dressed  up  so  clean,  I'm  most  afraid  to  stir) ', 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  JJ 

But  when  I  think  about  it  now  I  really  don't  wish  that, 

I  truly  wouldn't  like  to  be  the  daughter  of  a  cat ! 

I  used  to  wish  I  was  a  bird,  so  I  could  fly  and  sing, 

And  never  be  obliged  to  dust,  or  sew,  or  anything. 

But  then  I  just  remembered  what  the  birdies  feed  on,  ugh ! 

I  really  couldn't  live  on  worms,  or  even  bugs,  could  you? 

To  be  a  fish  would  be  as  bad,  I've  thought  of  flowers,  too; 

But,  surely  they  can't  have  much  fun,  just  staying  where  they 

grew. 
And  I  can  run  and  jump,  and  laugh,  and  eat  the  nicest  things ! 
Then  there's  the  doll  and  playhouse;  the  rowboat  and  the  swings. 
So  I  say,  "remember,  Helen,"  when  I'm  feeling  cross  or  sad, 
"Because  you  were  born  a  little  girl  you'd  better  just  be  glad!" 


IF  NO  ONE  EVER  MARRIES  ME. 


LAURENS  ALMA-TADEMA. 


IF  no  one  ever  marries  me — 
And  I  don't  see  why  they  should — 
For  nurse  says  I'm  not  pretty, 
And  I'm  seldom  very  good. 

If  no  one  ever  marries  me, 

I  shan't  mind  very  much; 
I  shall  buy  a  squirrel  in  a  cage, 

And  a  little  rabbit-hutch. 

I  shall  have  a  cottage  near  a  wood 

And  a  pony  all  my  own, 
And  a  little  lamb  quite  clean  and  tame, 

That  I  can  take  to  town. 

And  when  I'm  getting  really  old — 

At  twenty-eight  or  nine — 
I  shall  buy  a  little  orphan  girl, 

And  bring  her  up  as  mine. 


78  WERNER'S  READINGS 

IF  NOT  QUITE  TRUE,  IT  OUGHT  TO  BE. 


MARGARET  EYTINGE. 


VALENTINE'S  DAY  is  on  its  way; 
'Twill  be  here  very  soon, 
For  I  heard  sister  Sue  say  so 

To  Bell  this  afternoon. 
But  I'm  afraid  nobody'll  think 

To  send  me  even  one, 
Because  I  was  only  seven  years  old 

When  the  new  year  begun; 
And  so  I'll  write  one  to  myself 

(I  couldn't  bear  to  be 
Without  a  single  valentine), 

And  play  'twas  sent  to  me. 
"Dear  Grade" — that's  how  I'll  begin — 

"You  are  a  lovely  child; 
You  never  drive  your  mother  or 

Your  grandma  nearly  wild ; 
You  never  tease  the  baby,  nor 

Refuse  with  him  to  play; 
You  study  hard,  and  know  by  heart 

Your  lessons  every  day; 
You  keep  your  dress  and  apron  neat, 

Your  hair  is  always  curled, 
And  you  are  just  as  nice  a  girl 

As  any  in  the  world." 
There !  that  sounds  very  pretty,  and 

I  think  that  it  will  do. 
But  seems  to  me  it  isn't  quite 

Exactly  truly  true. 
But  then  it  ought  to  be,  and  that's 

Almost,  I  think,  the  same, 
And  so  down  in  the  corner  here 

I'll  sign  a  make-believe  name. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  BO.  J9 

I  AM  BUT  A  LITTLE  GIRL. 


I   AM  but  a  little  girl,  I  know, 
Not  quite  so  old  as  you, 
But  yet  there's  many  a  useful  thing 
A  little  girl  can  do. 

I  help  dear  mother  every  day, 

By  doing  all  I'm  told ; 
And  maybe  you  don't  always  mind, 

Even  if  you  are  so  old. 

I  feed  the  hens,  I  pick  up  chips, 

I  mind  the  baby  too; 
Indeed,  I  cannot  tell  you  half 

This  little  girl  can  do ! 


I'M  GLAD  I  AM  A  LITTLE  GIRL. 


I'M  glad  I  am  a  little  girl 
And  have  the  afternoons  for  play, 
For  if  I  was  a  busy  bee 

I  suppose  I'd  have  to  work  all  day. 

And  if  I  was  an  owl  I'd  be 
Afraid  to  keep  awake  all  night, 

And  if  I  was  an  elephant 

How  could  I  learn  to  be  polite? 

And  if  I  was  the  Jersey  calf 

I  might  forget  my  name  and  age; 

And  if  I  was  a  little  dog, 

I  couldn't  read  the  children's  page. 

My  sakes !  when  I  begin  to  count 
It  makes  my  head  go  all  a-whirl. 

There  are  so  many  reasons  why 
I'm  glad  I  am  a  little  girl. 


80  WERNER'S  READINGS 

IT. 


ALBERT  BIGELOW  FAINE. 


I'M  Kittie,  and  I'm  four  years  old — 
My  playmates  all  are  more; 
Sometimes  they're  five  and  sometimes  sJx, 

But  I'm  just  always  four. 
And  when  we  play  at  any  games, 

Because  I'm  little  Kit 
I  can't  have  fun  as  much  as  they, 
For  I  am  always  "it." 

In  hide-and-seek  I  never  hide, 

But  find  them  when  they  call. 
In  playing  store  I  always  buy 

And  never  sell  at  all. 
Sometimes  I'd  like  to  keep  the  store, 

Or  hide  a  little  bit, 
But  then,  of  course,  I  never  can, 

Because  I'm  always  "it." 

And  when  I  told  papa  to-day, 

He  took  me  on  his  knee, 
And  rocked  and  laughed  and  held  me  tight 

And  sang  a  song  to  me. 
And  when  'twas  after  supper  time 

And  all  the  lamps  were  lit, 
He  said,  "We'll  play  at  'sweethearts'  now, 

And,  course,  you  must  be  'it'." 


I  am  a  little  girl  just  six  years  old, 

And  I  love  temperance  better  than  gold; 

I'll  touch  not,  taste  not,  handle  not  the  wine, 

And  every  little  girl  like  me  the  temperance  pledge  should  sign. 

Now  let  every  little  girl  that  lists  to  my  song 

Hoorah  for  temperance  all  the  day  long. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  81 

"I'M  HURRIED,  CHILD." 


OH,  mother,  look!     I've  found  a  butterfly 
Hanging'  upon  a  leaf.     Do  tell  me  why 
There  is  no  butter !     Oh,  do  see  its  wings  ! 
I  never,  never  saw  such  pretty  things — 
All  streaked  and  striped  with  blue  and  brown  and 

gold. 
Where  is  its  home  when  all  the  days  are  cold? 
"Yes,  yes,  I'm  hurried,  child," 
Is  all  she  says. 

Last  night  my  dolly  quite  forgot  her  prayers, 
And  when  she  thought  you  had  gone  downstairs, 
Then  dolly  was  afraid,  and  so  I  said : 
"Just  don't  you  mind,  but  say  them  in  your  bed, 
Because  I  think  that  God  is  just  as  near." 
When  dolls  are  afraid  do  you  suppose  God  hears? 
"Yes,  yes,  I'm  hurried,  child," 
Is  all  she  says. 

Oh,  come  and  see  the  flowers  in  the  sky — 
The  sun  has  left,  and  won't  you,  by-and-by, 
Dear  mother,  take  me  in  your  arms  and  tell 
Me  all  about  the  pussy  in  the  well? 
Then  tell  me  of  the  babies  in  the  wood? 
And  then,  perhaps,  about  Red  Riding  Hood? 
"Too  much  to  do  !    Hush !  hush  !" — I  drive  you 
wild  ? 
"Yes,  yes,  I'm  hurried,  child," 
Is  that  all  you  say? 

[Child  goes  off  and  sits  down  a  while,  seemingly  puz- 
zled.    Comes  back  and  looks  up  into  mother's  face.] 

Oh,  mother,  mother,  do  you  know 
The  reason  because  you  are  hurried  so? 
I  wonder  if  God  has  more  time  up  there 
For  little  children  in  His  care? 


82  -      WERNER'S  READINGS 

I'll  try  to  climb  those  golden  stairs 
To-morrow  morn,  and  then  I'll  see 

If  God  will  say,  "I'm  hurried,  child," 
To  little  me. 


"LAZY  FOLKS  TAKE  THE  MOST  PAINS." 


I  NEVER  could  tell  what  my  grandmother  meant, 
Though  she  has  the  wisest  of  brains ; 
"I  have  noticed,"  she  said,  "in  the  course  of  my  life, 
That  lazy  folks  take  the  most  pains." 

I  hated  to  mend  that  short  rip  in  the  skirt 
Of  my  dress,  where  the  pocket  hole  strains ; 

And  grandmother  saw  it,  and  laughed  as  she  said, 
"Yes,  lazy  folks  take  the  most  pains." 

And  that  same  little  rip,  when  I  went  out  to  ride, 

Was  caught  on  my  bicycle  chains; 
Oh,  then  I  remembered  what  grandmother  said : 

"That  lazy  folks  take  the  most  pains." 

For,  instead  of  an  inch,  I  must  sew  up  a  yard, 
And  it's  just  as  her  maxim  explains; 

I  shall  always  believe  what  my  grandmother  said, 
That  "lazy  folks  take  the  most  pains." 


I  AM  SEVEN  AND  CAN  SEW. 


MARY  L.  B.  BRANCH. 


[Girl   sews  as  she  talks.] 

I  AM  learning  to  sew,  and  I'm  learning  very  fast. 
I  push  the  needle  in  and  out,  and  make  the  stitches  strong; 
I'm  sewing  blocks  of  patchwork  for  my  dolly's  pretty  bed, 
And  mamma  says  the  way  I  work  it /will  not  take  me  long. 
It's  over  and  over — do  you  know 
How  over-and-over  stitches  go? 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  83 

I  have  begun  a  handkerchief;  mamma  turned  in  the  edge, 
And  basted  it  with  pink  thread  to  show  me  where  to  sew. 

It  has  Greenaway  children  on  it  stepping  staidly  by  a  hedge ! 

I  look  at  them  when  I  get  tired,  or  the  needle  pricks,  you  know. 
And  that  is  the  way  I  learn  to  hem 
With  hemming  stitches — do  you  do  them? 

Next  I  shall  learn  to  run,  and  darn,  and  back-stitch,  too,  I  guess. 

It  wouldn't  take  me  long,  I  know,  if  't  wasn't  for  the  thread ; 
But  the  knots  keep  coming,  and  besides — I  shall  have  to  confess — 
Sometimes  I  slip  my  thimble  off,  and  use  my  thumb  instead ! 
When  your  thread  knots  what  do  you  do? 
And  does  it  turn  all  brownish,  too? 

My  papa,  he's  a  great  big  man,  as  much  as  six  feet  high ; 

He's  more  than  forty,  and  his  hair  has  gray  mixed  with  the 
black ; 
Well,  he  can't  sew !  he  can't  begin  to  sew  as  well  as  I. 
If  he  loses  off  a  button,  mamma  has  to  set  it  back ! 
You  mustn't  think  me  proud,  you  know, 
But  I  am  seven,  and  I  can  sew ! 


MODERN  FAIRY  STORY. 


I'LL  tell  you  a  story,  mamma, 
I'll  "make  it  up,"  you  know — 
There  once  was  a  little  princess, 
Lived  years  and  years  ago; 

Her  mother  loved  and  loved  her, 
And  never  made  her  mind, 

And  let  her  eat  the  sweeties, 
And,  oh !  was  very  kind. 

She  stayed  up  late  like  "grown-ups/ 
Her  mother  liked  her  too, 

And — won't  you  make  this  story 
Come  just. exactly  true? 


84  WERNER'S  READINGS 

GUESS  WHO. 


NELLIE  R.  CAMERON. 


[In  Martha  Washington  costume.] 

I'M  going  to  a  party. 
We  all  wear  funny  dresses 
And  personate  some  character, 
And  everybody  guesses. 

Marie  will  dress  for  Bopeep, 
And  James,  for  Uncle  Sam. 

Now  are  you  good  at  guessing? 
Just  tell  me  who  I  am. 

My  dress  is  so  old-fashioned 
That  surely  you  must  know 

That  I  am  some  grand  lady 
Who  lived  long  years  ago. 

I'm  trying  to  look  stately, 
My  husband  was  so  great, 

For  he  was  the  first  President 
Of  the  United  States. 

So  well  he  loved  his  country, 

So  well  he  did  his  part, 
He  was  first  in  peace  and  war,  too, 

And  first  in  every  heart. 

Now  surely  you  must  know  me. 

Why  any  child  could  see — 
And  after  all  I've  told  you  ! 

How  stupid  you  must  be ! 

Well,  can  you  keep  a  secret? 

Won't  you  tell  anyone? 
Come  close  and  let  me  whisper — 

I'm  Martha  Washington. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  85 

LITTLE  HOUSEKEEPER. 


KATE  ALLYN. 


I'M  dreadful  busy  working, 
I  have  such  lots  to  do; 
I've  got  to  bake  and  iron, 

And  never  will  get  through. 
I've  just  hung  out  my  washing, 

And  rinsed  out. all  my  tubs; 
It  almost  skins  my  fingers, 

Giving  such  awful  rubs. 
My  cake  is  baking  nicely, 

In  Katy's  frying  pan ! 
I  tried  to  make  some  jumbles, 

But  don't  believe  I  can. 
I'm  grating  up  some  nutmeg 

(It's  really  only  bark), 
I  almost  believe  it's  poison — 

It  looks  so  awful  dark. 
Will  you  reach  down  my  irons? 

My  little  clothes-horse,  too? 
You  needn't  make  them  red  hot — 

A  little  warm  will  do. 
I  burnt  my  dollie's  bed-quilt 

Last  time  I  ironed  that; 
And  scorched  the  velvet  ribbon 

For  Flotsie's  Sunday  hat ! 
Now  I  must  bathe  my  children, 

And  dress  them  neat  and  clean; 
They  mortify  me  awful — 

I'm  ashamed  to  have  them  seen. 
I've  got  to  wash  my  china, 

And  put  them  away,  I  suppose; 
How  hard  it  is  to  housekeep 

None  but  we  women  know ! 


86  WERNER'S  READINGS 

LITTLE  ANGEL. 


RIGHT  into  our  house  one  day 
A  dear  little  angel  came; 
I  ran  to  him  and  softly  said, 

"Dear  angel,  what  is  your  name?" 

He  said  not  a  word  in  answer, 
But  smiled  a  beautiful  smile; 
Then  I  said,  "May  I  go  home  with  you  ? 
•Shall  you  go  in  a  little  while?" 

But  mamma  said,  "Dear  little  angel, 

Don't  leave  us,  oh,  always  stay ! 
We  will  all  of  us  love  you  dearly, 

Sweet  angel,  oh,  don't  go  away !" 

So  he  stayed,  and  he  stayed,  and  we  loved  him 
As  we  could  not  have  loved  another; 

Do  you  want  to  know  what  his  name  is  ?  • 
His  name  is — my  little  brother! 


SHE  CAN  SEW. 


SEE !    I'm  making  patchwork ! 
I  dearly  love  to  sew; 
Just  watch  my  thumb  and  fingers, 
See  how  fast  they  go. 

This  quilt  is  for  my  dolly, 

I  have  it  nearly  done; 
Mamma  calls  it  work  to  sew, 

While  I  just  think  it's  fun. 

Sometimes  my  thread  gets  knotted, 
'    Or  my  needle  won't  go  through ; 
That  makes  me  cross,  then  mamma  comes 
And  shows  me  what  to  do. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  87 

She  calls  me  "little  seamstress," 

And  says,  when  I  get  tall, 
That  my  own  dresses  I  can  mend 

Without  her  help  at  all. 

Well,  there  !    I  guess  I'll  fold  this  up ! 

It  must  be  time  to  go ; 
Do  you  think  that  I  feel  proud 

Because  I  know  how  to  sew? 


LITTLE  HELPER. 


PAULINE  FRANCES  CAMP. 


PERHAPS  you  think,  because  I'm  small 
There's  not  much  I  can  do ; 
If  I  should  tell  you  all  the  things, 

You'd  hardly  believe  'twas  true! 
But  mamma  says,  that  I  am  her 

Real,  helpful  little  daughter; 
I  give  the  kitty-cats  their  milk, 

The  birdies,  seed  and  water; 
I  sew  my  papa's  buttons  on, 

And  find  his  slippers  too; 
I  thread  dear  grandma's  needles, 

And  I  cheer  folks  when  they're  blue. 
Now  don't  you  see  what  lots  of  help 

A  little  girl  can  be? 
If  ever  you've  too  much  to  do, 

You'd  better  send  for  me. 


DOLL'S  WEDDING. 


I  AM  so  glad  that  the  sunshine  has  driven  the  clouds  away, 
For  my  dolly,  my  darling  dolly,  is  going  to  be  married  to-day. 
She  has  had  a  great  many  suitors — a  dozen,  I  do  declare — 
And  only  last  week,  Wednesday,  she  refused  a  millionaire. 


88  WERNER'S  READINGS 

Sophie  Read  is  his  mother ;  she  thought  we'd  feel  so  grand 
That  a  doll  with  a  diamond  stud  should  offer  my  child  his  hand. 
But  Rose  cares  little  for  money,  and  she's  given  her  heart  away 
To  Charlie,  the  gallant  sailor,  who  will  make  her  his  bride  to-day. 
Nora  has  made  her  a  bride-cake,  with  frosting  as  white  as  snow, 
And  I  wove  her  bridal-wreath  from  the  tiniest  flowers  that  blow, 
And  brother  Harry  has  promised  (he's  ever  so  kind,  I'm  sure,) 
To  lend  them  his  beautiful  yacht  when  they  sail  on  their  wedding- 
tour. 
We  make  believe  it's  the  ocean,  the  lake  in  the  park,  you  know ; 
And  Charlie,  the  little  sailor,  is  so  delighted  to  go. 
Oh,  my !  he  does  look  cunning  in  his  suit  of  navy  blue. 
His  mother,  my  most  particular  friend,  is  little  Nelly  Drew. 
Look !  they  are  coming,  Mary.    Oh,  they  are  a  lovely  pair ! 
Charlie,  the  black-eyed  sailor,  and  Rose  with  her  golden  hair. 
Doesn't  she  look  like  a  fairy  peeping  out  from  a  fleecy  cloud, 
In  that  lovely  dress  and  veil  ?    But  we  mustn't  talk  out  loud. 
If  I  could  just  squeeze  out  a  tear— I  suppose  it's  the  proper  thing, 
Since  she  is  my  only  child — but,  indeed,  I  would  rather  sing, 
For  the  sun  is  shining  brightly,  and  everything  seems  gay, 
And  to  Charlie,  the  dear  little  sailor,  my  dolly  is  married  to-day. 


AFTERNOON  TEA. 


ABBY   FARWELL   BROWN. 


BETTY  McGEE  to  an  afternoon  tea 
Invited  my  dollie,  my  kittie,  and  me. 
"An  afternoon  tea,  in  the  morning  at  nine, 
And  please  to  be  prompt  in  the  rain  or  the  shine. 
The  tea  will  be  cocoa,  of  course,  you  must  know,' 
Said  Betty  to  me :  and  I  promised  to  go. 

An  afternoon  tea  is  the  stylishest  thing ! 

I  put  on  my  prettiest  necklace  and  ring, 

And  mamma's  long  skirt,  and  a  bonnet  of  red, 

And  did  up  my  hair  on  the  top  of  my  head. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  SO.  89 

I  made  dollie  sweet  in  a  blue  kimono, 

And  dressed  kitty  up  in  her  very  best  bow. 

Then  I  took  sister's  card-case,  with  cards  for  us  three, 

I  know  how  to  act  at  an  afternoon  tea ! 

But  what  do  you  think?  When  the  morning  had  come, 
And  we  asked  if  Miss  Betty  McGee  was  at  home, 
They  giggled  and  said  she  had  "gone  out  to  play ; 
She  must  have  forgotten  that  this  was  the  day !" 
Forgotten  her  guests,  though  the  clock  stood  at  nine, 
And  we  were  all  ready  for  rain  or  for  shine ! 
Forgotten  the  cocoa — forgotten  it  all, 
While  she  was  unstylishly  playing  at  ball ! 
"Please  tell  her,"  I  said,  in  my  haughtiest  way, 
"It  was  very  bad  form !"  Then  we  bade  them  good-day. 
And  that  was  the  end  of  the  afternoon  tea 
For  poor  little  dollie,  and  kitty,  and  me. 


LONESOME  LITTLE  GIRL. 


MY  mother  is  the  prettiest  thing — 
She  still  looks  but  a  girl,  folks  say; 
I  wish  she  was  a  girl,  for  then 
Together  we  could  play! 

I'm  six  years  old — or  will  be  soon — 
And  I'm  all  the  child  she's  got : 

And  sometimes  when  'tis  lonely,  why, 
I  wish  there  was  a  lot ! 

For  mother  has  to  work  so  hard, 
A-dancing  nights  and  pouring  tea 

Each  afternoon,  she  has  no  time 
To  romp  and  play  with  me ! 

I  wish  some  nights  she'd  stay  at  home, 
And,  when  it's  time  to  go  to  bed, 

She'd  hear  my  prayers  instead  of  nurse, 
Then  when  it's  dark  I'd  have  no  dread. 


90  WERNER'S  READINGS 

If  she'd  just  let  me  hold  her  hand — 

Her  pretty  hand,  with  all  its  rings; 
And  I  can  go  right  off  to  sleep 

If  mother  only  sings  ! 
But  mother  has  no  time,  she  says, 

To  humor  little  girls,  because  she 
Gets  tired  out  with  balls  and  things 

That  keep  her  up  to  three. 
I  hark  each  night  for  mother's  step, 

And  then  I  call  out  loud  and  clear, 
"Hope  you'll  have  a  lovely  time," 

And  "Good-night,  mother,  dear." 
But  when  she's  gone,  and  down  below 
.  I  hear  the  carriage  door  slam  to, 
I  feel  so  lonely  I  could  cry, 

And  sometimes  perhaps  I  do. 


MAUD'S  PROBLEM. 


I  DON'T  want  to  think 
And  I'm  tired  of  play, 
There's  everything  crooked  and  wrong  to-day. 
The  cat's  run  off, 
And  Rose  is  forlorn, 

And  my  very  best  dress  is  wrinkled  and  torn; 
And  I'm  not  a  bit  hungry, 
Or  I'd  eat  and  eat, 

So  what  can  I  do  but  swing  my  feet? 
I  wish  I  was  big  folks, 
And  naughty,  too; 

There's  no  one  to  whip  them  whatever  they  do. 
But  they  must  have  been  whipped 
When  little  and  bad, 

If  they  stole  jam  and  things  and  got  naughty  and 
mad. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  91 

Well,  then  who  whipped  them? 

I  can't,  I  can't  see — 

Why,  their  fathers  and  mothers,  as  mine  do  me ! 

But  the  fathers  and  mothers, 

Who  whipped  them  ? 

Why,  Mrs.  Noah  did  Japhet  and  Shem ! 

Well,  then  who  whipped  Eve? 

Why,  Adam,  I  guess. 

For  she  stole  apples  and  cried  for  a  dress. 

But  Adam  wasn't  punished, 

Not  a  single  bit; 

There  wasn't  anyone  round  who  could  do  it. 

Oh,  my  head  aches, 

Thinking  it  out ! 

When's  my  time  coming  to  keep  a  stick  about  ? 

Oh,  I  know,  now ! 

The  very  thing,  too. 

I'll  grow  up  fast,  oh !  awful  fast,  as  other  folks  do. 

And  I'll  buy  some  little  girls, 
And  lots  and  lots  of  boys, 

And  I'll  whip  them  for  the  least  bad  thing,  and 
every  speck  of  noise ! 


MY  DOLLY. 


[Girl  holds  big  wax  doll.] 

THERE  was  a  dear  dolly  who  came  in  my  stocking, 
One  night  when  to  earth  many  dollies  were  flocking, 
Her  gown  was  of  rose,  she'd  ruffles  and  bows, 
From  her  soft  yellow  curls  to  her  wee  slippered  toes. 
But  she  hasn't  a  name — now  isn't  it  shocking? 
The  dear  little  dolly  who  came  in  my  stocking. 


92  WERNER'S  READINGS 

MOTHER'S  MAY-DAY. 


MARGARET  J.  STANNARD. 


WHEN  mother  was  a  little  girl, 
She  had  a  holiday, 
And  always  could  a-Maying  go 

Upon  the  first  of  May. 
She  gathered  pale  anemones, 
And  violets  white  and  blue, 
And  found  the  sweet  arbutus  buds 
That  in  the  dry  leaves  grew. 

When  mother  was  a  little  girl 

(She  told  us  this  to-day), 
She  always  made  her  May  baskets 

Before  the  first  of  May. 
She's  told  us  how  to  make  them,  too, 

And  we  are  going  to  try; 
For  mother  thinks  they're  nicer  far 

Than  any  you  can  buy. 
When  mother  was  a  little  girl, 

Not  quite  so  young  as  we, 
She  always  could  go  out  again 

On  May-day  after  tea. 
So  all  her  baskets  she  would  fill 

With  flowers  picked  that  day, 
Then  hang  one  at  each  playmate's  door 

And  ring  and  run  away. 
When  mother  was  a  little  girl, 

They  chose  a  Queen  of  May, 
Who  wore  a  crown  of  lovely  flow'rs 

And  made  the  rest  obey; 
And  once  they  had  the  May-pole  dance, 

Right  out  upon  the  green; 
That  must  have  been  the  nicest  time — 

For  mother  dear  was  Queen ! 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  SO.  93 

MERRY  LITTLE  TODDLEKINS. 

JOHN  BRIND. 

I'M  merry  little  Toddlekins, 
And  full  of  life  and  fun 
I  love  to  laugh  and  cheerful  be 

Whene'er  I  play  or  run. 
I  like  to  hear  when  I  am  out 

My  friends  and  parents  say, 
Here's  merry  little  Toddlekins, 

Who's  always  bright  and  gay. 
Of  course,  when  I'm  at  school,  you 
know, 

I  use  my  quietest  style; 
But  still  I  find  I  learn  as  quick 

As  those  who  never  smile. 
Indeed,  the  teachers,  one  and  all, 

Who  take  me  always  say, 
Here's  merry  little  Toddlekins, 

Who's  always  bright  and  gay. 
And  then  when  we  go  out  to  play 

We  jump  and  romp  about; 
I  try  my  best  to  please  all  those 

Who  feel  inclined  to  pout. 
For  I'm  so  jolly  in  myself, 

I  want  them  all  to  say, 
Let's  be  like  merry  Toddlekins, 

Who  is  so  bright  and  gay. 
And  don't  you  think  it  better,  now, 

That  I  should  always  try 
To  keep  as  cheerful  as  I  can, 

Whate'er  the  troubles  nigh? 
I'm  sure  that  cheerful  hearts  are  best 

In  life  when  troubles  tend, 
So  I'll  be  merry  Toddlekins 

And  gleeful  to  the  end. 


94  WERNER'S  READINGS 

SINCE  WILL  TURNED  INTO  A  BOY. 


F.  A.  STEELE. 


MY  brother  Will,  he  used  to  be 
The  nicest  kind  of  girl; 
He  wore  a  little  dress  like  me, 

And  had  his  hair  in  curl. 
We  played  with  dolls  and  tea-sets  then, 

And  every  kind  of  toy ; 
But  all  those  good  old  times  are  gone; 
Will  turned  into  a  boy. 

Mamma  has  made  him  little  suits, 

With  pockets  in  the  pants, 
And  cut  off  all  his  yellow  curls, 

And  sent  them  to  my  aunts. 
And  Will,  he  was  so  pleased,  I  believe, 

He  almost  jumped  with  joy; 
But  I  must  own  I  didn't  like 

Will  turned  into  a  boy. 

And  now  he  plays  with  horrid  tops 

I  don't  know  how  to  spin ; 
And  marbles  that  I  try  to  shoot, 

But  never  hit  nor  win; 
And  leapfrog — I  can't  give  a  "back" 

Like  Charley,  Frank,  or  Roy. 
Oh,  no  one  knows  how  bad  I  feel 

Since  Will  has  turned  a  boy. 

I  have  to  wear  frocks  just  the  same, 

And  now  they're  mostly  white; 
I  have  to  sit  and  just  be  good, 

While  Will  can  climb  and  fight. 
But  I  must  keep  my  dresses  nice, 

And  wear  my  hair  in  curl; 
And  worse,  oh,  worsest  thing  of  all, 

I  have  to  stay  a  girl ! 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  95 

MY  GRANDMAMMA. 


EVA   MARCH   TAPPAN. 


GRANDMAMMA  wears  a  soft  gray  gown; 
It's  silky  when  I  smooth  it  down. 
I  hope  I'll  wear  a  soft  gray  gown 
When  I  am  old  like  her. 

Grandmamma's  hair  is  snowy  white; 
It  always  sparkles  in  the  light. 
I  hope  my  hair  will  be  as  bright 
When  I  am  old  like  her. 

Grandmamma's  smile  is  very  sweet; 
My  papa  says.it  "can't' be  beat." 
I  hope  my  smile  will  be  as  sweet 
When  I  am  old  like  her. 

Grandmamma  knows  I  love  her  well; 
I  love  her  more  than  I  can  tell. 
I  hope  little  girls  will  love  me  well 
When  I  am  old  like  her.  . 


NELLY  TELLS  HOW  BABY  CAME. 


THOMAS  S.  COLLIER. 


THERE'S  no  use  of  your  talking,  for  mamma  told  me  so, 
And  if  there's  any  one  that  does,  my  mamma  ought  to  know; 
For  she  has  been  to  Europe  and  seen  the  Pope  at  Rome, 
Though  she  says  that  was  before  I  came  to  live  with  her  at  home. 

You  see,  we  had  no  baby, — unless  you  call  me  one, 

And  I  have  grown  so  big,  you  know,  'twould  have  to  be  in  fun, — 

When  I  went  to  see  grandma,  about  two  weeks  ago, 

And  now  we've  one,  a  little  one,  that  squirms  and  wiggleu  so. 


96  WERNER'S  READINGS 

And  mamma  says  an  angel  came  down  from  heaven  above, 

And  brought  this  baby  to  her  for  her  and  me  to  love; 

And  it's  got  the  cunningest  of  feet,  as  little  as  can  be, 

And  shining  eyes  and  curly  hair,  and  hands  you  scarce  can  see. 

And  then  it  never  cries  a  bit,  like  some  bad  babies  do ; 
And  papa  says  it  looks  like  me — I  don't  think  so,  do  you? 
For  I'm  a  girl  and  it's  a  boy,  and  boys  I  can't  endure ; 
Unless  they're  babies  like  our  own,  they'll  plague  and  tease  you, 
sure. 

But  you  say  the  angel  didn't  come ;  now  you  just  tell  me  why ; 
The  Bible  says  there's  angels  in  heaven,  and  that's  up  in  the  sky; 
And  Christ  loves  little  babies,  and  God  made  everything, 
And  if  the  angels  didn't  who  did  our  baby  bring? 

You  can't  tell;  no,  I  guess  you  can't,  but  mamma  ought  to  know, 
For  it's  her  baby — hers  and  ours — and  mamma  told  me  so ; 
And  they  don't  make  any  cunning  things  like  him  on  earth,  you  see, 
For  no  wax  doll,  with  real  hair,  is  half  so  nice  as  he. 

I  know  an  angel  brought  him,  and  I  think  one  brought  me  too ; 
Though  I  don't  just  remember,  and  so  can't  tell,  can  you? 
But  mamma  knows ;  and  this  I  know, — the  baby  wasn't  home 
When  I  went  away,  and  now  he  is.    If  you  want  to  see  him,  come. 

For  mamma  says  if  I  am  good  I  can  kiss  him  every  day, 

And  we'll  kiss  him  now,  and  then  go  out  and  have  a  nice  long  play ; 

And  if  anybody  asks  you  how  babies  come  and  go, 

Why,  tell  them  it's  the  angels,  for  mamma  told  me  so. 


MY  MAMMA. 


ESTELLE  W.  CRAMPTON. 


WHEN  I  sit  on  my  mamma's  knee, 
The  nicest  stories  that  can  be 
She  tells,  about  the  times  when  she 
Was  just  a  little  girl  like  me.' 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  97 

She  used  to  like  to  run  and  play, 
And  stay  outdoors  almost  all  the  day, 
And  hunt  for  eggs  out  in  the  hay. 
Oh !  if  my  mamma  could,  some  way, 

Just  be  a  little  girl  now,  too ! 

We'd  play  and  play  the  whole  day  through. 

A  lot  of  jolly  things  we'd  do 

— If  only  wishes  could  come  true ! 

But  when  I  get  all  tired  with  play, 
Who'd  help  me  put  my  toys  away, 
And  tuck  me  up  at  night,  and  pray 
To  God  to  keep  me  till  the  day  ? 

Who'd  light  the  fire  so  warm  and  bright, 
And  bring  me  water  in  the  night, 
And  call  me  little  "heart's  delight"? 
— I  guess  a  grown-up  mother's  right ! 


MY  GRANDMA. 


ANNA  PASCHALL. 


MY  grandma  sits  in  a  rocking-chair, 
By  the  window,  in  the  sun; 
She  wears  a  soft  little  lacy  cap, 
\     And  a  big  white  apron  over  her  lap, 
And  there's  always  room  for  a  little  girl  there 
That's  tired  of  frolic  and  fun. 

My  grandma  has  always  a  pocket  full 

Of  peppermint  drops  and  cakes ; 
And  she  knows  such  pretty  songs  that  she  sings, 

And  stories  about — oh,  lots  of  things. 
And  sometimes  she  lets  me  wind  the  wool 

For  the  stockings  and  things  she  makes. 


98  WERNER'S  READINGS 

She  told  me  a  queer  thing  the  other  day, 

And  she  says  it's  really  true — 
My  grandma  had  soft  red  cheeks  one  time, 

And  hair  that  was  just  as  black  as  mine; 
And  she  could  run  and  tumble  and  play, 

And  all  the  things  I  can  do ! 

I  wish  I  had  known  my  grandma  then ; 

How  very  nice  it  would  be 
If  grandma  were  little  and  played  with  me, 

Dressing  our  dollies,  and  going  to  tea, 
And  swinging,  and  watching  the  bantam  hen, 

And  climbing  the  cherry-tree ! 

But  when  we  were  too  tired  out  to  play, 

And  the  sandman  crept  along, 
What  should  I  do  for  my  grandma's  lap, 

And  her  songs  to  drowsy  me  into  a  nap? 
I'm  glad  my  grandma  is  old  and  gray, 

While  I'm  just  little  and  young ! 


MY  MOTHER. 


I  MUST  not  tease  my  mother, 
For  she  is  very  kind; 
And  everything  she  says  to  me, 
I  must  directly  mind. 

For  when  I  was  an  infant, 

And  could  not  speak  or  walk, 

She  let  me  in  her  bosom  sleep, 
And  taught  me  how  to  talk. 

I  must  not  tease  my  mother; 

And  when  she  likes  to  read, 
Or  has  the  headache,  I  will  step 

Quite  silently,  indeed. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  99 

I  will  not  choose  a  noisy  play, 

Nor  trifling  troubles  tell, 
But  sit  down  quiet  by  her  side 

And  try  to  make  her  well. 


NEARLY  TEN. 


WHEN  a  body  comes  to  be  nearly  ten, 
Ah !  all  sorts  of  troubles  beset  her  then. 
At  least  if  the  body  happens  to  be 
The  eldest  of  all  in  the  famil-y, 
Whose  mother's  at  work  the  whole  of  the  day; 
And  I'm  that  body,  I  may  as  well  say ! 

There  isn't  a  baby  in  all  our  street 
Who's  nearly  as  pretty,  or  half  as  sweet 
As  our  little  Sally ;  but,  oh,  dear  me ! 
It's  strange  how  heavy  that  baby  can  be. 
And  Tommy's  a  wonderful  boy,  I  know ; 
But  sometimes  that  child  does  bother  me  so. 

It's  "Hush-a-bye  baby,"  and  off  she  goes ; 

But  if  I  put  her  down,  that  baby  knows. 

And,  as  soon  as  she's  really  fast  asleep, 

Then  down  on  the  floor  our  Tommy  will  creep. 

And  it's  — "Don't  wake  baby,  be  quiet,  do !" 

Or — "Tommy,  you'll  pull  that  cat's  tail  in  two." 

But,  perhaps,  when  a  body's  worn  out  quite, 
Her  dear  little  mother  will  come  in  sight. 
Then  it's — "Polly,  my  pet,  what  should  I  do 
If  I  hadn't  a  good  little  girl  like  you?" 
And,  somehow,  a  body  feels  glad  just  then 
She's  a  grown-up  girl  of  nearly  ten ! 


100  WERNER'S  READINGS 

THE  OTHER  LITTLE  GIRL. 


BLANCHE  TRENNOR  HEATH. 


I'M  Nelly,  and  my  brother's  Gus; 
We  live  here  in  our  flat; 
And  pa  and  ma  they  live  with  us, 

And  baby  and  the  cat. 
Though  I'm  a  girl,  and  Gus  a  boy, 

We  don't  call  names  and  strike, 
Nor  quarrel  who  shall  have  a  toy, 

But  share  them  all  alike. 
But  there's  a  horrid  little  girl 

That  visits  us — O,  my ! 
She  keeps  us  all  in  such  a  whirl ! 

She'll  stamp  and  scold  and  cry! 

Then  Gus  talks  back,  and  baby  screams, 

And  papa  shakes  his  head, 
And  mamma  says  she  really  seems 

Some  naughty  elf  instead ! 
But  still  they  let  her  stay,  you  see, 

For  all  she  acts  so  bad, 
Because  the  horrid  girl  is — Me, — 

Just  Me  when  I  get  mad ! 
I  guess  next  time  she  comes  to  call, 

This  naughty  little  elf, 
I'll  stop  her  visits  once  for  all, 

And  send  her  off  myself! 


NEW  PARASOL. 


I'VE  got  a  brand  new  parasol,1 
Of  red  silk  trimmed  with  lace  ;2 
But  auntie  says,  "It  will  never  keep 
The  shine  out  of  my  face."3 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  101 

Why  not,  I  wonder,4  if  it's  held 

Just  in  the  proper  place? 
Why  won't  it  keep  the  sunshine  out 

Of  anybody's  face?5 

She  says  thick  clouds  would  hardly  do, 

Much  less  red  silk  and  lace,2 
To  keep  the  merry  sunshine  out 

Of  such  a  dimpled  face.3 

But  mamma  says,  "Go,  take  a  walk,6 

And  never  mind  Aunt  Grace;" 
I  expect  I'll  have  to  let  the  sun 

Keep  shining  in  my  face.2 

1.  Holds  parasol  over  shoulder.  2.  Puts  up  hand  and  touches  lace.  3.  Touches 
cheek.  4.  Pauses  and  looks  at  parasol,  and  holds  it  upright.  5.  Points  along  audi- 
ence.    6.   Walks  across    stage. 


WHAT  SHALL  BABY'S  NAME  BE? 


YOU  have  birds  in  a  cage, 
And  you've  beautiful  flowers, 
But  you  haven't  at  your  house 

What  we  have  at  ours. 
'Tis  the  prettiest  thing 

That  you  ever  did  see, 
Just  as  dear  and  as  precious, 
As  precious  can  be. 

'Tis  my  own  baby  sister, 

Just  seven  days  old; 
And  too  little  for  any 

But  grown  folks  to  hold. 
Oh!  I  know  you  would  love  her; 

She's  as  fresh  as  a  rose, 
And  she  has  such  a  queer 

Tiny  bit  of  a  nose; 


102  WERNER'S  READINGS 

And  the  dearest  and  loveliest 

Pink  little  toes, 
Which  seem,  I  tell  mother, 

Only  made  to  be  kissed; 
And  she  keeps  her  wee  hand 

Doubled  np  in  a  fist. 
She  is  quite  without  hair, 

But  she  has  beautiful  eyes; 
She  always  looks  pretty — 

Except  when  she  cries. 

And  what  name  we  shall  give  her, 

There's  no  one  can  tell; 
For  my  father  says  Sarah, 

And  mother  likes  Belle. 
And  my  great-uncle  John — 

He's  an  old-fashioned  man — 
Wants  her  named  for  his  wife 

Who  is  dead — Mary  Ann. 

But  the  name  I  have  chosen 

The  darling  to  call, 
Is  a  name  that  is  prettier 

Far  than  them  all. 
And  to  give  it  to  baby 

My  heart  is  quite  set; 
It  is :  Violet  Mabel 

Rose  Stella  Marzette. 


SHALL  I  BE  LIKE  GRANDMA? 


SHALL  I  be  like  grandma  when  I  am  old? 
Shall  I  wear  such  a  queer  little  bonnet — 
No  feathers,  no  posies,  but  just  a  plain  fold 
With  a  little  white  edging  upon  it? 


AND  RECITATIONS  XO.  50.  103 

Shall  I  sit  in  an  easy-chair  all  the  day  long 
With  a  great  ball  of  wool  and  a  stocking? 

Shall  I  think  it  quite  dreadful  for  folks  to  do  wrong, 
And  dirt  and  disorder  quite  shocking? 

Shall  I  wear  a  white  cap  full  of  dear  little  bows, 

And  a  row  of  white  curls  on  my  forehead? 
Shall  I  keep  my  face  clean,  and  take  care  of  my  clothes, 

And  never  be  snappish  and  horrid? 
Shall  I  think  that  the  Bible's  the  nicest  of  books, 

And  remember  the  sermon  on  Sunday? 
And  not  think  how  stupid  the  minister  looks, 

And  wish  it  would  only  be  Monday? 

Just  wait  till  I  tell  you  what  grandma  once  said, 

I  hope  that  you  won't  think  me  crazy, 
It  happened  one  day  when  they  sent  me  to  bed 

For  being  ill-tempered  and  lazy. 
She  came  and  sat  by  me  and  patted  my  hand, 

And  told  me,  "There's  no  use  in  crying; 
It's  by  stumbling,  my  pet,  that  we  know  how  to  stand, 

And  we  always  grow  better  by  trying." 

"Was  anyone  ever  so  wicked  as  me?" 

I  asked  her  between  my  sobbing, 
Then  grandma  laughed  just  as  hard  as  could  be, 

And  her  little  white  curls  went  bobbing. 
"Was  anyone  ever  so  naughty  as  you? 

I'm  sure  I  know  of  one  other." 
"Who  was  it?"  I  asked.    "Oh,  please  tell  me;  do." 

She  whispered,  "Your  own  grandmother." 

Now,  isn't  it  strange?    But,  of  course,  it  is  true, 

I  can  tell  you  just  one  thing  about  it — 
She'd  not  tell  a  story  whatever  she'd  do, 

And  we'd  only  be  silly  to  doubt  it. 


104  WERNER'S  READINGS 

But,  of  course,  I  feel  certain  you  never  will  tell, 
For  how  perfectly  dreadful  'twould  be 

To  have  people  know,  who  all  love  her  so  well, 
That  grandma  was  ever  like  me. 


BAKING  FOR  THE  PARTY. 


GRACE  LIVINGSTON  HILL. 


POLLY,  get  your  apron  on; 
Betty,  wash  your  hands; 
Susie,  find  a  little  rag 

To  grease  the  baking-pans. 

We're  going  to  have  a  party 
And  the  dolls  will  all  be  there ; 

We're  going  to  bake  a  cake  or  two; 
Think  what  you're  going  to  wear ! 

Polly,  you  may  get  three  eggs, 
The  freshest  you  can  find. 

We'll  have  a  frosted  birthday  cake 
With  leaves  and  blossoms  twined. 

For  don't  you  know  the  biggest  doll 

Is  four  years  old  to-day  ? 
To  be  sure  her  nose  is  broken 

But  we'll  dress  her  all  so  gay. 

Betty,  cream  a  cup  of  sugar 
With  the  yellows  of  the  eggs ; 

You  may  use  the  webbed  egg-beater 
Hanging  on  those  little  pegs. 

Susie,  you  may  beat  the  whites  up, 
Beat  till  they  will  stand  alone ; 

Polly  put  the  kettle  on 

And  don't  stand  there  and  drone. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  SO.  105 

Take  a  cup  and  then  a  quarter 

Of  white  flour  sifted  fine ; 
Heap  a  spoon  with  baking  powder, 

Stir  them  till  you've  counted  nine; 

Now  put  into  eggs  and  sugar 

Half  a  cup  of  boiling  water, 
Half  of  all  the  beaten  whites, 

And  stir  them  gently,  little  daughter. 

Shake  the  flour  in,  handfuls,  gently; 

Beat  it  now,  'twill  take  no  harm. 
It  must  bake  for  thirty  minutes 

In  an  oven  not  too  warm. 

Four  large  spoons  of  boiling  water 

And  a  cup  of  sugar  white, 
Boiled  together  till  the  threads  come, 

Beat  with  whites,  makes  frosting  light. 

Spread  it  quickly,  Polly,  girlie, 

With  a  smooth,  clean  silver  knife. 
Dolly  never  had  such  frosted 

Cake  before  in  all  her  life. 

Wash  your  hands,  my  little  Polly, 

Betty,  go  and  smooth  your  hair, 
Susie,  you  may  set  the  table; 

Don't  forget  the  doll's  high  chair ! 

For  we're  going  to  have  a  party 

And  the  cake  is  ready  quite, 
Decked  with  blossoms,  leaves  and  candles 

In  its  frosted  coating  white. 


[Small  girl,  face  and  hands  all  smeary.] 
Guess  you  don't  know  what  I'm  doing. 
I'm  eating  pie,  and  cake  and  pudding. 


106  WERNER'S  READING: 

THE  POLICEMAN. 


THE  nicest  man  I  ever  saw. 
Dear  mother,  you  can  see, 
Is  the  one  who  stands  outside  our  school 
When  we're  let  out  at  three. 

He's  dressed  just  as  the  soldiers  are; 

He  wears  gold  buttons,  too ; 
And  he  stands  up  so  proud  and  straight, 

The  way  the  soldiers  do. 

He  always  says,  "Come,  little  kids, 
I'll  take  you  'cross  street;"  and 

I  guess  because  I'm  the  littlest  girl 
He  always  holds  my  hand. 

And  all  the  cars  and  horses  stop — 

He's  so  big  they  don't  dare 
To  say  "Get  up,"  and  drive  them  on, 

Because  he's  standing  there. 

He  makes  believe  to  chase  the  boys, 
And  shakes  his  fist,  and  then 

He  laughs  and  laughs,  and  they  all  come 
A-scampering  back  again. 

Sometimes  he  pats  me  on  the  head 

And  says,  "Ho !  little  girl, 
You  going  to  wait  till  Christmas  comes 

To  cut  me  off  that  cirri  ?" 

And  one  time  when  it  rained,  the  street 

Was  muddy,  and  I  cried; 
He  picked  me  up  and  carried  me 

Right  to  the  other  side. 

The  nicest  man  I  ever  saw, 

Dear  mother,  you  now  see, 
Is  the  one  who  stands  outside  our  school 

When  we're  let  out  at  three. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  107 

SINCE  PAPA  DOESN'T  DRINK. 


NIXON  WATERMAN. 


MY  papa's  awful  happy  now,  and  mamma's  happy,  too, 
Because  my  papa  drinks  no  more  the  way  he  used  to  do. 
And  everything's  so  jolly  now,  it  isn't  like  it  used  to  be 
When  papa  never  stayed  at  home  with  poor  mamma  and  me. 

It  made  me  feel  so  very  bad  to  see  my  mamma  cry, 
And  though  she'd  smile  I'd  spy  the  tears  a-hiding  in  her  eye. 
But  now  she  laughs  just  like  us  girls — it  sounds  so  cute,,  I  think — 
And  sings  such  pretty  little  songs,  since  papa  doesn't  drink. 

You  ought  to  see  my  Sunday  dress — it's  every  bit  all  new ; 
It  isn't  made  out  of  mamma's  dress,  the  way  she  used  to  do. 
And  mamma's  got  a  pretty  cloak  all  trimmed  with  a  funny  fur, 
And  papa's  got  some  nice,  new  clothes  and  goes  to  church  with  her. 

My  papa  says  that  Christmas-time  will  pretty  soon  be  here, 
And  maybe  good  old  Santa  Claus  will  find  our  house  this  year. 
I  hope  he'll  bring  some  candy  and  a  dolly  that  can  wink; 
He'll  know  where  our  home  is,  I'm  sure,  since  papa  doesn't  drink. 


TWO  LITTLE  GIRLS. 


[In  first  part,  girl  is  dressed  in  long  cloak,  heavily  trimmed  hat 
and  kid  gloves,  and  carries  opened  light  silk  parasol.  Change  to  coun- 
try girl  takes  only  a  second.  She  disappears  into  ante-room  and  slips 
off  long  cloak,  hat  and  prloves,  reappearing  in  gingham  dress,  hair  dis- 
heveled, and  carrying  old  straw  hat.] 

1. — City  Girl. 

WHEN  I'm  a  little  city  girl, 
Each  day  in  pleasant  weather 
I  dress  myself  all  in  my  best, — 
My  big  white  hat  and  feather, — 


108  WERNER'S  READINGS 

My  pretty  Mother  Hubbard  cloak, 
And  boots  and  gloves  all  neat, 

And  with  my  silken  parasol 
Go  walking  down  the  street. 

I  fold  my  hands  together,  so, 
And  turn  my  toes  quite  out ; 

Mamma  says  little  girls  should  not 
Be  gazing  all  about. 

And  if  I  run  and  jump,  you  know, 
My  hair  gets  out  of  curl ; 

So  quietly  I  take  my  walk, 
When  I'm  a  city  girl. 

2. — Country  Girl. 
When  I'm  a  little  country  girl, 

Up  almost  with  the  sun, 
I  take  my  old  straw  hat,  and  out 

Into  the  grass  I  run. 

No  gloves,  no  parasol,  no  hat, 
It  comes  right  off,  you  know, 

And  no  one  near  to  see  how  fast 
Across  the  fields  I  go. 

No  need  to  think  about  my  dress, 
Or  care  for  crimp  and  curl; 

I  run  and  play  the  livelong  day 
When  I'm  a  country  girl. 

Oh,  yes,  the  city  suits  mamma, 
And  sisters  and  the  rest, 

But  tell  me,  tell  me  truly,  which 
You  think  I  like  the  best. 


I  am  here  to  bring  you  greeting  and  a  welcome  from  our  school, 
Clapping  is  forbidden  for  you,  but  your  smiles  we  won't  control. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  109 

UNHAPPY  LITTLE  GIRL. 


I    DON'T  know  how  it  happened,  but  the  world's  gone  wrong 
to-day. 
There's  not  a  bit  of  real  fun  in  any  sort  of  play. 
My  dolly's  just  as  sulky,  my  dog  won't  show  his  tricks, 
My  sister,  Lil,  is  crosser  than  a  pair  of  crooked  sticks; 
When  Rosa  went  to  brush  my  hair  she  jerked  it  by  the  roots; 
And  now  the  rain  has  gone  and  spoiled  my  best  new  Sunday  boots ; 
The  apple  that  I  took  to  school  was  sour  as  sour  could  be, — 
There's  not  a  thing  but  has  a  spite  against  poor  little  me. 

And  here's  the  hardest  part  of  all — the  tears  were  in  my  eyes — 
I  told  mamma,  and  thought,  of  course,  that  she  would  sympathize; 
But  when  she  heard  the  story,  she  only  smiled  and  said : 
"I  think  my  little  girl  got  out  the  wrong  side  of  the  bed !" 
And  then  she  went  and  left  me  there  as  if  I  were  to  blame 
Instead  of  other  people !     And  it's  just  a  perfect  shame 
If  a  girl's  only  mother,  who  should  comfort  her  and  kiss, 
Is  going  to  say  cruel  words  and  turn  away  like  this ! 

The  wrong  side  of  my  bed,  indeed !     I'd  really  like  to  see 
What  difference  that  could  ever  make  to  anyone  but  me. 
It's  other  folks  I'm  talking  of,  so  hateful  and  perverse, 
Who  make  the  good  things  horrid  and  all  the  bad  things  worse; 
Like  cook  to-day  at  breakfast,  who  just  began  to  scold 
Because  I  simply  told  her  that  the  porridge  was  all  cold, 
And  her  muffins  were  too  heavy  and  no  tea  was  in  the  pot. 
Suppose  I  was  a  little  late — she  might  have  kept  them  hot! 

Then  Nell  and  Sue  came  after  school  and  each  one  played  so  rough, 
And  talked  so  rudely,  that  at  last  we  broke  up  in  a  huff; 
And  I  declared  I'd  never  play  with  two  such  hateful  things; 
And  they  said  something  just  as  mean,  all  full  of  pricks  and  stings  ! 
I'd  like  to  know  whose  fault  it  was,  or  if  'twas  wrong  to  say 
That  since  I  was  the  oldest  there  I  ought  to  have  my  way? 
Now,  could  mamma  think  possibly  the  horrid  things  they  said 
Could  have  the  least  connection  with  how  I  got  out  of  bed? 


110  WERNER'S  READINGS 

It  makes  one  so  unhappy !    It  makes  one  feel  so  blue, 

To  have  your  mother  and  your  friends  all  lay  the  blame  on  you, 

When  anyone  with  half  an  eye  can  see  as  plain  as  day 

It's  everybody  else  who  acts  in  such  an  awful  way. 

Perhaps  they'll  all  be  sorry  when  they  see  me  fade  away — 

For  who  would  ever  want  to  live  the  life  I've  lived  to-day? 

Perhaps  they'll  realize,  too  late,  how  wicked  and  absurd 

It  is  to  crush  a  person  down  without  a  single  word; 

And  then,  perhaps — that  is,  I  hope — they'll  turn  around  and  see 

How  perfectly  preposterous  their  hints  have  been  to  me ; 

For  what  does  this  big  world  care,  when  all  is  done  and  said, 

For  how  one  wretched  little  girl  gets  in  or  out  of -bed? 


VALUE  OF  SMILES. 


J.  W.  FOLEY. 


SOMETIMES  I  wonder#why  they  smile  so  pleasantly  at  me, 
And  pat  my  head  when  they  pass  by  as  friendly  as  can  be; 
Sometimes  I  wonder  why  they  stop  to  tell  me,  "How-d'-do," 
And  ask  me  then  how  old  I  am  and  where  I'm  going  to ; 
And  ask  me  can  I  spare  a  curl  and  say  they  used  to  know 
A  little  girl  that  looked  like  me,  oh,  years  and  years  ago; 
And  I  told  mamma  how  they  smiled  and  asked  her  why  they  do, 
So  she  said  if  you  smile  at  folks  they  always  smile  at  youy 
I  never  knew  I  smiled  at  them  when  they  were  going  by, 
I  guess  it  smiled  all  by  itself  and  that's  the  reason  why; 
I  just  look  up  from  playing  if  it's  anyone  I  know, 
And  they  most  always  smile  at  me  and  maybe  say,  "Hello;" 
And  I  can  smile  at  anyone,  no  matter  who  or  where, 
Because  I'm  just  a  little  girl  with  lots  of  them  to  spare; 
And  mamma  said  we  ought  to  smile  at  folks,  and  if  you  do 
Most  always  they  feel  better  and  they  smile  right  back  at  you. 


Dear  friends,  we're  very  glad  you  came  to  visit  school  to-day; 
But  now  the  entertainment's  done,  we  all  must  go  away. 


AND  RECITA TIONS  NO.  SO.  \\l 

WHEN  GRANDMA  WAS  A  LITTLE  GIRL. 


EDWARD  OLDHAM. 


WHEN  grandma  was  a  little  girl,  many,  many  years  ago, 
Before  my  time,  and  your  time,  too, 
She  used  to  wear  long  dresses,  and  long  pantalets  so  queer, 
All  starched  till  they  could  stand  alone — 'twas  funny,  O  my  dear. 
But  that  was  a  great  long  time,  you  know, 
So  long,  long,  long  ago. 

She  used  to  sit  as  stiff  in  church,  and  still  as  any  mouse 

(And  grandma  says  they  called  the  churches  then  "the  Good  Lord's 

House"). 
She  couldn't  see  the  minister,  the  pew  backs  were  so  high ; 
She  couldn't  go  to  sleep  or  gape,  and  didn't  dare  to  cry. 

But  that  was  a  great  long  time,  you  know, 

So  long,  long,  long  ago. 

She  couldn't  run,  and  romp,  and  scream,  and  jump,  like  me — or 

you, 
Nor  chatter  at  the  table,  as  we  always  like  to  do. 
She  made  low  courtesies,  like  this,  and  had  such  funny  ways, 
For  "children  must  be  seen,  not  heard,"  they  taught  her  in  those 
days. 

But  that  was  a  great  long  time,  you  know, 
So  long,  long,  long  ago. 

The  grown  folks  were  so  horrid  in  that  old  time,  don't  you  think, 
To  treat  a  little  grandma  so  she  hardly  dared  to  wink  ? 
So  now  we  must  be  kind  to  her,  and  try  all  sorts  of  ways 
To  make  her  happy,  and  forget  those  awful  still  old  days. 

But  that  was  a  great  long  time,  you  know, 

So  long,  long,  long  ago. 


I  wish  I  was  an  angel  now  with  little  shiny  wings, 

I'd  wear  my  white  embroidered  dress,  instead  of  these  old  things. 


112  WERNER'S  READINGS 

TALKING  TO  A  CHICKEN. 


MARY  F.  BURFITT. 


COME,  little  downy  chick,  chick,  chick ! 
For  baby  wants  you  quick,  quick,  quick ! 
I'll  scatter  crumbs  from  off  my  bread, 
Come,  little  chick,  come  and  be  fed ! 
Now  let  me  hold  you  on  my  hand; 
On  tiny  yellow  legs  you  stand. 
One  softest  squeeze  I'll  give  you,  then 
I'll  take  you  back  to  Mother  Hen. 

"Cluck,  cluck !"  I  hear  her  anxious  call 
For  you,  her  little  feathery  ball; 
But  I'll  not  hurt  you,  morsel  sweet ! 
I  feel  your  wee  heart  beat,  beat,  beat ! 
Oh !  baby  loves  you,  loves  you  so, — 
Each  fluffy  feather,  each  droll  toe, 
Your  bright  black  eyes,  so  deep,  deep,  deep, 
Your  sweet,  shrill  cry  of  "peep,  peep,  peep !" 


WHO  BROKE  THE  EGGS  ? 


OJACK!  I  think  it's  the  meanest  thing! 
What  do  you  think  has  happened  to-day? 
Someone  has  broken  my  beautiful  eggs, 
And  stolen  my  dear  little  hen  away ! 
Won't  you  come  down  from  the  hayloft,  Jack? 

What  are  you  laughing  about  up  there? 
If  anyone  ever  had  stolen  your  hen, 
I  wouldn't  act  as  if  I  didn't  care ! 

I  wish  I  knew  who  had  done  such  a  thing 

As  to  break  my  eggs !    Did  you  say  you  knew  ? 

Then,  Jack,  you're  just  the  awfullest  boy 
If  you  don't  tell  me !    Ah !  who,  Jack,  who? 


AND  RECI TA  TIOXS  NO.  50.  \  13 

You  say  you  saw  them  breaking  my  eggs? 

To  think  you  would  stay  there  and  let  them  do  it. 
Well,  one  thing  certain,  I'll  tell  papa, 

And  the  guilty  people  shall  surely  rue  it ! 

I'm  going  to  fix  such  a  nice  new  nest, 

And  Grayling  will  lay  some  more  eggs  in  it. 
Won't  you  come  down,  just  a  moment,  please, 

And  show  me  a  little  how  to  begin  it? 
Hark !  who's  that  saying  a  "cluck-cluck-cluck !" 

As  sober  old  Grayling  comes  out  to  sight? 
And  what  does  dear  Pussie  so  speedily  see 

That  is  making  her  small  hands  clap  in  delight? 

Lo,  there  are  the  "guilty  people"  at  last ! 

Who  broke  the  eggs  and  rifled  the  nest  ? 
Only  a  dozen  little  wee  chicks, 

Yellow  and  white  on  wings  and  on  breast. 
Break  the  eggs?    Why  shouldn't  they,  pray, 

When  their  bills  and  bodies  grew  strong  and  stout. 
So  Pussie  thinks  as  she  feeds  each  pet, 

I'm  so  glad  that  the  thieves  came  out ! 


WHEN  MOTHER  IS  AWAY. 


EVA  EARLL  FURLONG. 


WHEN  mother  is  away  the  day  seems  very  long, 
The  dollies  do  not  care  to  play,  and  will  not  mind  a  thing 
I  say; 
The  bubbles  will  not  blow,  nor  the  toys  wind  up  to  go; 
But  everything  seems  out  of  sorts  when  mother  is  away. 

When  mother  is  away  cook  makes  me  tarts  so  nice  and  light, 
But  I  can't  swallow  them,  because  my  throat  seems  shut  up  tight. 
And  when  she  speaks,  I  answer  very  loud  and  clear, 
For  my  own  voice  seems  small  and  queer  when  mother  is  away. 


114  WERNER'S  READINGS 

But  when  I  hear  my  mother  come,  the  house  begins  to  shine. 
I  just  fly  down  those  stairs,  I  tell  you,  in  no  time. 
She  takes  me  in  her  arms  and  says,  "My  little  girlie  all  alone?' 
And  I  just  jump  and  shout  and  dance,  because  mother's  home. 


LITTLE  MISCHIEF. 


SISTER  M.  STELLA. 


HOW  d'ye  do,  big  folks ?    I've  come  to  say 
What  I've  been  doing  all  the  long  day. 
Mamma  went  out  and  left  me  here 
To  be  good  and  play  like  a  little  dear. 
But  I  ask  you  all,  did  you  ever  know 
Any  little  girl  to  be  left  just  so 
That  was  good  and  played  like  a  little  dear? 
For  I  can  tell  you  she  doesn't  live  here ! 
To  be  sure,  I  was  pretty  good  for  a  while; 
I  guess  mamma  must  have  gone  half  a  mile 
Before  I  got  tired,  and  looked  around 
To  see  if  some  new  play  couldn't  be  found. 
I  climbed  on  a  chair  and  looked  in  the  glass, 
And  saw  there  a  pretty,  blue-eyed  little  lass; 
So  I  tried  on  mamma's  new  hat  and  shawl 
And  a  pair  of  gold  bracelets,  took  her  parasol 
And  was  walking  abou}?,  when  I  hit  my  toe 
And  fell  on  the  floor.    And  then — do  you  know?- 
One  of  the  bracelets  gave  a  crack 
And  broke  in  two — and  mamma's  new  hat 
Was  mashed  as  flat  as  a  buckwheat  cake! 
And  what  did  that  old  shawl  do  but  take 
And  tear  in  the  middle — while  the  parasol 
Just  snapped  in  two !     And  that  wasn't  all, 
For  just  as  I  fell,  the  bureau  cover 
Was  right  in  my  hand,  and  it  came  over. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  H5 

Scent-bottles,  brushes,  combs  and  mug, 

Went  down  in  a  heap  on  the  brand  new  rug. 

And  I  know  mamma'll  find  when  she  comes  home, 

All  the  room  smelling  of  her  cologne. 

I  was  too  little  to  clear  it  away, 

So  I  went  down,  then,  in  the  hall  to  play ; 

And  dolly's  head — which  is  hard,  you  know, — 

Right  through  the  glass  door  did  somehow  go; 

I  really  couldn't  say  how  it  was  done, 

But  it  broke  the  glass,  and  spoiled  all  my  fun. 

Then  I  was  hungry  and  went  downstairs 

For  some  bread  and  butter  and  some  stewed  pears ; 

But  Jane  was  too  busy  to  wait  on  me, 

So  I  went  to  the  pantry  in  order  to  see 

What  I  could  find  that  was  good  to  eat. 

Nobody  was  there — so  I  had  a  treat ! 

Preserves,  and  cakes,  and  two  kinds  of  pie, 

Sugar,  and  biscuit,  and  jelly  had  I. 

I  ate  till  I  could  not  eat  any  more, 

And  only  broke  one  plate  on  the  floor. 

I  was  just  as  sticky  as  I  could  be — 

So  I  went  to  the  bath-room  to  wash,  you  see, 

And  somehow  the  spigot  got  twisted  so 

It  wouldn't  stop  running ;  and  so,  you  know, 

The  floor  was  all  in  a  horrid  slop 

Till  Jane  came  up  and  made  it  stop. 

Then  she  scrubbed  me  till  I  was  as  red  as  a  rose, 

And  brushed  my  hair,  and  changed  my  clothes, 

And  told  me  mamma  would  "see  to  me" 

When  she  came  home !     And  that  will  be 

In  a  little  while.  And  I  think — don't  you? — 

There  is  plenty  to  see  to !    What  would  you  do  ? 

I'm  afraid  to  stir,  for  there'll  something  break 

If  I  move  a  finger,  or  even  shake 

My  curly  head  so !     So  I  guess  I'll  sit 

Right  here  till  mamma  comes,  and  not  move  a  bit. 


116  WERNER'S  READINGS 

HOW  MAUD  KEPT  WATCH. 


WHY,  Rover,  I'm  surprised  at  you, 
I've  got  too  many  things  to  do 
To  waste  my  time  in  play !     So,  now, 
You  needn't  come  with  bow-wow-wow,  ' 
To  tempt  me  !    It  is  time,  you  see, 
For  papa  to  come  home  to 'tea; 
And  I  must  warm  his  slippers  and 
His  dressing-gown,  you  understand ! 

You  cannot  help  me — ha,  ha,  ha ! 
What  vain  old  things  some  doggies  are ! 
You'd  go  to  sleep  before  the  fire ; 
You  do  not  know  what  folks  require 
When  they  come  home,  all  tired,  at  night. 
I'm  papa's  girl.     I  know  what's  right — 
I'll  keep  a  bright  lookout,  you'll  see, 
Till  my  papa  comes  home  to  me. 

For  it  would  hurt  his  feelings  so, 
If  no  one  watched  for  him,  you  know. 
I  wouldn't  trust  you,  Mr.  Rover, 
To  watch  for  him.    You  just  go  over 
And  lie  down  there,  till  I  am  through. 

0  dear !  I've  got  so  much  to  do ! 
For  mamma  said  she'd  trust  to  me 
To  welcome  papa  home  to  tea. 

There,  now,  we'll  rest  in  papa's  chair ! 
For  there  is  half  an  hour  to  spare 
Before  he  comes.    O,  Rover,  dear, 
Isn't  it  nice  and  warm  in  here? 
Do  you  feel  sleepy  ?    Well,  I  knew 
There'd  be  no  sense  in  trusting  you ! 

1  wish  my  papa — mamma  said — 
Down  dropped  the  curly,  nodding  head, 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  \\y 

And  over  eyes  so  soft  and  blue 
Down  dropped  the  golden  lashes,  too; 
While  very  quiet  grew  the  room, 
Fast  filling  with  the  twilight's  gloom. 
And  thus  the  minutes  hastened  past, 
Till — someone's  step  was  heard  at  last; 
But  it  was  Rover — don't  you  see? — 
Who  welcomed  papa  home  to  tea ! 


SO  VERY  QUEER. 


ZITELLA  COCKE. 


I  THINK  it  is  so  very  queer 
That  when  we  little  children  here 
Are  fast  asleep — each  curly  head 
Tucked  snugly  in  his  downy  bed — 
Some  children  living  far  away 
Are  up  and  out-of-doors  at  play. 
And  then,  my  teacher  says  the  sun, 
When  all  his  shining  here  is  done, 
Goes  down  to  China  and  Japan 
To  shine  as  brightly  as  he  can. 
So  when  I  lie  down  to  my  rest 
The  little  Japs  are  being  dressed, 
And  when  at  morn  my  prayers  are  said 
The  Chinese  girls  are  going  to  bed. 
But  oh,  it  seems  to  me  so  queer, 
They  do  not  do  as  we  do  here ! 


LITTLE  GIRL'S  REQUEST. 


DEAR  rain,  without  your  help,  I  know, 
The  trees  and  flowers  could  not  grow ; 
My  roses  all  would  fade  and  die, 
If  you  stayed  up  behind  the  sky. 


118  WERNER'S  READINGS 

But  lonely  little  girls  like  me, 
Don't  like  to  stay  indoors,  you  see, 
All  through  the  long  and  lonesome  day,- 
I'm  tired  of  books,  I'm  tired  of  play. 

I'm  tired  of  listening  to  the  sound 
Of  pattering  drops  upon  the  ground, 
And  watching  through  the  misty  pane, 
The  clouded  skies,  O  dreary  rain ! 

And  so  I  wish  you'd  tell  me  why, 
Just  to  please  me,  you  couldn't  try 
To  let  the  bright  sun  shine  all  day, 
And  in  the  night,  when  he's  away, 

And  all  the  world  is  dark  and  still, 
And  I'm  asleep — then,  if  you  will, 
Come  down  and  make  my  flowers  grow, 
Dear  rain,  and  I  will  love  you  so. 


MISS  EDITH  COMFORTS  BROTHER  JACK. 


BRET  HARTE. 


CRYING !    Of  course,  I  am  crying, 
And  I  guess  you'd  be  crying,  too, 
If  people  were  telling  such  stories 
As  they  are  about  me,  about  you. 
tjP  O  yes,  you  can  laugh  if  you  want  to, 
And  smoke  as  you  didn't  care  how, 
And  get  your  brains  softened  like  uncle's — 
Dr.  Jones  says  you're  getting  it  now. 

Why  don't  you  say  stop  to  Miss  Ilsey? 

She  cries  twice  as  much  as  I  do — 
And  she's  older,  and  cries  just  from  meanness, 

For  a  ribbon  or  anything  new. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  \\g 

Ma  says  it's  her  sensitive  nature — 

O  my !     No,  I  shan't  stop  my  talk ! 
And  I  don't  want  any  apples  or  candy, 

And  I  don't  want  to  go  take  a  walk ! 
I  know  why  you're  mad !    Yes,  I  do  now ! 

You  think  that  Miss  Ilsey  likes  you, 
And  I've  heard  her  repeatedly  call  you 

The  bold-facest  boy  that  she  knew ; 
And  she'd  like  to  know  where  you  learnt  manners, 

O  yes  !    Kick  the  table — that's  right ! 
Spill  the  ink  on  my  dress,  and  then  go  round 

Telling  ma  that  I  look  like  a  fright ! 
What  stories !    Pretend  you  don't  know  that 

They're  saying  I  broke  off  the  match 
'Twixt  old  Money-grubber  and  Mary, 

By  saying  she  called  him  cross-patch ! 
When  the  only  allusion  I  made  him 

About  sister  "Mary  was — she 
Cared  more  for  his  cash  than  his  temper, 

And  you  know,  Jack,  you  said  that  to  me ! 
And  it's  true !    But  it's  me,  and  I'm  scolded, 

And  pa  says  if  I  keep  on  I  might 
By-and-by  get  my  name  in  the  papers ! 

Who  cares?    Why,  'twas  only  last  night 
I  was  reading  how  pa  and  the  sheriff 

Were  selling  some  lots,  and  it's  plain 
If  it's  awful  to  be »in  the  papers, 

Why  papa  would  go  and  complain. 
You  think  it  ain't  true  about  Ilsey? 

Well,  I  guess  I  know  girls — and  I  say 
There's  nothing  I  see  about  Ilsey 

To  show  she  likes  you,  anyway ! 
I  know  what  it  means  when  a  girl  who 

Has  called  her  cat  after  a  boy, 
Goes  and  changes  its  name  to  another's 

And  she's  done  it — and  I  wish  you  joy ! 


120  WERNER'S  READINGS 

OH,  I'M  MY  GRANDPA'S  GIRL. 


H.  U.  JOHNSON. 


WHEN  in  my  crib  I'm  sleeping, 
There  is  a  watchful  eye 
Forever  at  me  peeping 
For  fear  I  wake  and  cry — 
Oh,  I'm  my  grandpa's  girl ! 

Then  when  I  come  from  napping 

In  babyland  of  dreams, 
My  little  hands  a-clapping 

To  him  sweet  music  seems — 
Oh,  I'm  my  grandpa's  girl ! 

If  I  get  mad  and  fighty, 

And  squirm,  and  scream,  and  cry, 
He  calls  me  "Highty-tity," 

A  twinkle  in  his  eye — 

Oh,  I'm  my  grandpa's  girl ! 

When  feet  I  set  a-going, 

And  toes  come  pattering  down, 

He  cries,  "Oh,  my,  'tis  snowing," 
And  shakes  my  little  gown. 
Oh,  I'm  my  grandpa's  girl ! 

My  laugh  and  baby-talking 

He  says  he  understands, 
And  that  I'll  soon  be  walking, 

A-holding  to  his  hands — 
Oh,  I'm  my  grandpa's  girl ! 

And  when  I'm  grown  some  older, 

Just  this  will  be  his  way, 
He'll  take  me  on  his  shoulder 

And  dance  my  "humpty-dey" — 
Oh,  I'm  my  grandpa's  girl. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  121 

JACK  FROST'S  LITTLE  SISTER. 


CARRIE  W.  BRONSON. 


THIS  morning,  when  all  of  the  rest  had  gone  down, 
I  stood  by  the  window  to  see 
The  beautiful  pictures,  which  there  in  the  night, 
Jack  Frost  had  been  making  for  me. 

There  Were  mountains,  and  windmills,  and  bridges,  and 
boats ; 

Some  queer-looking  houses  and  trees; 
A  hammock  that  hung  by  itself  in  the  air, 

And  a  giant  cut  off  at  the  knees. 

Then  there  was  a  steeple  so  crooked  and  high, 

I  was  thinking  it  surely  must  fall, 
When  right  down  below  it  I  happened  to  spy 

The  loveliest  thing  of  them  all — 

The  cutest  and  cunningest  dear  little  girl ! 

I  looked  at  her  hard  as  I  could, 
And  she  stood  there  as  dainty — and  looked  back  at  me, 

In  a  little  white  ulster  and  hood. 

"Good-morning!"  I  whispered,  for  all  in  a  flash 

I  knew  'twas  Jack  Frost's  little  sister. 
I  was  so  glad  to  have  her  come  visiting  me 

I  reached  up  quite  softly  and  kissed  her. 

Then — can  you  believe  it? — the  darling  was  gone! 

Kissed  dead  in  that  one  little  minute. 
I  never  once  dreamed  that  a  kiss  would  do  that. 

How  could  there  be  any  harm  in  it? 

But  I  am  so  sorry !    For  though  I  have  looked 

Fifty  times  at  that  window  since  then, 
Half  hoping  to  see  her  once  more,  yet  I  know 

She  never  can  come  back  again. 


122  WERNER'S  READINGS 

And — it  may  be  foolish — but  all  through  the  day 
I  have  felt — and  I  knew  that  I  should — 

Just  as  if  I  had  killed  her,  that  dear  baby  girl, 
In  the  little  white  ulster  and  hood. 


PAPA'S  CALENDAR. 


ABBIE  FARWELL  BROWN. 


*rT"*HIS  is  my  Sunday  head  of  hair, 

A       All  whirly,  twirly  curls, 
A  bow  of  ribbon  tied  with  care, 
Like  all  the  other  girls. 

And  this  is  how  on  week-a-days 

I  start  to  go  to  school, 
My  pigtails  plaited  evenly, 

The  parting  drawn  by  rule. 

But  spite  of  all  that  I  can  do, 

Upon  a  Saturday, 
This  is  the  way  my  hair  will  look, 

When  I  come  in  from  play. 

I  am  my  papa's  calendar : 

He  often  will  declare 
That  he  can  tell  what  day  it  is 

By  looking  at  my  hair. 


THREE  KISSES. 


I've  got  three  kisses  sweet  to  give; 

There's  one  for  mother,  kind  and  true, 
And  one  for  father,  while  I  live, 

And  all  the  rest  I  give  to  you ! 

[Kisses  hand  to  audience  and  exits.] 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  123 

GETTING  READY  FOR  SCHOOL. 


JULIET  WILBOR  TOMPKINS. 


I  WENT  to  the  dentist's  along  with  Aunt  Ruth, 
And  he  opened  my  mouth  very  wide; 
And  he  put  in  his  pincers  and  pulled  out  a  tooth, 
It  didn't  hurt  much,  but  I  cried — 
I  was  so  scared ! 

Then  Aunt  Ruth  took  me  down  to  a  beautiful  place 

Where  I  sat  in  a  big  leather  chair; 
And  a  man  squirted  bottles  and  tickled  my  face 

While  he  cut  off  my  horrid  old  hair — 
Just  like  a  boy's ! 

Then  I  tried  on  some  shoes  for  a  very  nice  man, 
And  stamped  them,  and  wiggled  my  toes; 

And  Aunty  said,  "Give  me  as  stout  as  you  can ; 
This  little  girl's  hard  on  her  clothes" — 
They  had  seven  buttons ! 

Then  I  and  Aunt  Ruth  bought  a  whole  lot  of  things — 

A  hat  with  no  trimming  to  squash; 
Some  aprons  to  make  without  ruffles  or  strings 

So  Jane  needn't  growl  at  the  wash — 

Blue  check  doesn't  show  dirt ! 

My  legs  were  so  tired  I  wanted  to  scream, 

But  I  sat  on  a  very  high  stool 
With  a  big  glass  of  soda  chockful  of  ice-cream 
And  then  I  was  ready  for  school — 

I  go  every  day  now,  and  I'm  in  the  First 
Reader ! 


124  WERNER'S  READINGS 

KATIE'S  CARES. 


O 


F  course,  I  can't  go  sliding 
Out  on  the  ice,  to-day! 
I've  got  so  many  children 

I  haven't  time  to  play. 
My  Evangeline's  all  broken — 

She's  just  as  thin  as  thin; 
The  sawdust's  all  run  out  of  her, 

And  I  can't  put  it  in. 
There's  going  to  be  a  party, 

And  if  my  Tommy  goes, 
I've  got  to  work  like  everything 

To  make  him  some  new  clothes. 
And  then  Augustus  Frederick, 

He  broke  his  neck  last  week; 
He's  just  as  pale  as  he  can  be, 

And  doesn't  ever  speak. 
And  Susan's  got  the  measles ; 

Cordelia's  bumped  her  head; 
And  Ethelind  was  naughty, 

And  had  to  go  to  bed. 
And  to-morrow  is  my  baking-day, 

And  Bridget's  gone  away. 
Don't  you  see  I  can't  go  sliding, 

For  I  haven't  time  to  play? 


YOUNG  SCHOOL  REFORMER. 


LOU  BOYCE  HAYDEN. 


I'M  mad,  I  am !    You  needn't  scowl ! 
I've  been  in  school  all  day; 
If  someone  does  not  sympathize 
I  think  I'll  run  away. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  125 

I'm  always  getting  into  scrapes 

That  someone  else  has  planned, 
Why  other  girls  are  never  caught 

I  just  can't  understand. 

I  don't  believe  the  earth  is  round, 

Or  'twouldn't  seem  so  flat; 
How  can  it  turn  two  ways  at  once? 

Don't  take  no  stock  in  that ! 

I  like  the  sums  in  'rithmetic, 

But  hist'ry's  precious  dry; 
The  only  part  I  like  at  all 

They  say  is  all  a  lie. 

If  Pocahontas  was  a  fake, 

Who  saved  John  Smith  his  head? 
I  think  it's  mean  to  tell  such  lies 

'Bout  folks  when  they  are  dead. 

Now  what's  the  use  of  having  words, 

All  sounding  just  the  same, 
Then  spell  them  two,  three  dif'rent  ways 

Just  like  a  puzzle  game? 

Sometimes  I  think  I  nevermore 

Those  horrid  books  will  touch, — 
I  am  sure  it  is  all  nonsense 

For  girls  to  know  so  much. 

But  if  I  ever  get  grown  up, 

I'll  be  a  teacher  too, 
And  I  shall  make  the  books  myself 

The  first  thing  that  I  do. 

The  lessons  all  will  be  so  short, 

They'll  learn  them  quite  by  heart ; 
I'm  sure  I'll  pet  the  stupid  ones 

And  snub  the  ones  too  smart. 


126  WERNER'S  READINGS 

I'll  try  and  be  good-natured,  too, 
And  smiling  ev'ry  day; 

I'll  tell  them  not  to  work  too  hard, 
And  send  them  out  to  play. 

And  if  I  see  them  whispering, 
I'll  shut  my  eyes  at  once, 

And  I  shall  always  give  the  prize 
To  the  very  dullest  dunce. 

I'll  let  them  have  a  long  recess, 
And  never  make  a  rule, — 

Now,  don't  you  think  the  children  then 
Will  love  to  go  to  school? 


"NOTHING  TO  WEAR." 


ELLEN   MANLY. 


I'M  dreadfully  sorry,  Helena, 
You're  real  disappointed,  I  know, 
But  you've  nothing  to  wear  to  the  party, 
And  so  you  can't  possibly  go ! 

There's  a  terrible  tear  in  your  challis, 
And  your  lawn  is  a  perfect  disgrace — 

The  kitten  has  pulled  off  the  ribbons, 
And  clawed  up  its  beautiful  lace. 

The  buckles  are  gone  from  your  slippers, 
Your  sash  is  all  faded  and  old, 

And  since  grandmamma  sat  on  your  bonnet 
It's  simply  a  sight  to  behold. 

But  you  mustn't  feel  badly,  my  darling, 
You  shall  have  such  a  nice  time  instead ; 

I'll  play  you  are  ill  with  the  measles, 
And  put  you  directly  to  bed.    " 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  127 

And  while  I  am  telling  you  stories 

I'll  make  you  a  lovely  new  dress, 
And  Tommy'll  be  charmed  to  be  doctor, 

He'll  put  on  some  plasters,  I  guess. 

And  give  you  some  sweet  little  powders, 

The  kind  that  are  certain  to  cure, 
And  none  of  the  dolls  at  the  party 

Will  have  such  a  good  time,  I'm  sure. 


ONLY  SLEEPING  DOGS  MAY  LIE. 


J.  L.  ARMOR. 


THEY  say  that  sleeping  dogs  may  lie; 
But  little  girls  may  not, 
For  when  I  tell  the  littlest  fib 
They  scold  an  awful  lot. 

Sometimes  I  wish  I  was  a  dog 

So's  I  could  lie  a  lot; 
For  when  I've  taken  mother's  cake 

I'd  rather  sleep  than  not. 

Then  when  she'd  say,  "Now,  Clementine, 

Did  you  do  so  and  so  ?" 
I'd  close  my  eyes  and  snooze  a  bit 

And  growl  out,  "No ;  oh,  no !" 


LITTLE  SINNER  REPENTS. 


[Room  interior,  chairs,  couch,  etc.,  to  R.  of  screen  placed  across 
stage  L.  of  center  so  that  girl  is  seen  by  audience  at  all  times.  At 
rise  of  curtain  girl  is  discovered  talking  to  mother,  who  holds  her  by 
arm  and  is  taking  her  to  closet  (behind  screen).] 

I  WISH  you  would  just  let  me  be! 
No,  I'm  not  at  all  sick,  and  I  didn't  get  hurt ; 
And  I  do  not  see  why  you  are  calling  me  "pert." 
It  was  you  spoke  to  me! 


128  WERNER'S  READINGS 

Oh,  yes  !    I  suppose  I  must  go — 
You're  a  great  big  tall  lady,  and  I'm  very  small, 
And  I  couldn't  put  you  in  the  closet  at  all ; 

But  there's  one  thing  I  know — 

If  I  had  a  dear  little  girl,  », 

I'd  not  make  a  fuss  when  she  just  tore  her  dress, 
Or  called  old  rice  pudding  a  horrible  mess, 

Or  her  hair  wouldn't  curl ! 

Now,  you  needn't  look  so  any  more — 
I  am  almost  to  the  closet,  and  I  don't  care  a  bit, 
But  I  hope  I'll  be  all  wriggled  up  in  a  fit 

When  you  open  the  door ! 

[One  fold  of  screen  is  moved  one  side  and  girl  acts  as  if  put 
behind  it.  Stands  near  door  sulking.  After  supposed  interval  of 
ten  minutes.] 

Mamma !  will  you  open  it  now  ? 
I'm  a  little  bit  sorry — please  let  me  come  out ! 
I  almost  forgot  what  I  was  naughty  about, 
But  I  won't,  anyhow ! 

[Waits  a  minute  then  sits  on  floor  on  knees.  After  supposed 
interval  of  twenty  minutes.] 

I'm  ever  so  sorry — I  know  I  was  bad ; 

I'll  forgive  that  old  pudding  for  making  me  mad ; 

I'll  be  good,  mamma  dear ! 

Mamma,  may  I  just  have  my  dolly? 
I'm  so  lonesome  in  here — oh,  mamma,  won't  you, 

please? 
I'm  sitting  right  down  by  the  door,  on  my  knees — 

I'm  your  own  little  Polly ! 

[Door  opens.    Girl  gets  up  and  runs  out.] 

Oh,  my  most  precious,  best  little  mother ! 
I  will  never  be  naughty,  no,  never  again ! 
My  heart  was  all  broken — it  gave  me  a  pain — 
And  I  thought  I  should  smother! 
[curtain.] 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  SO.  129 

LITTLE  GIPSY  GIRL. 


[Gipsy  costume.  After  every  stanza  there  should  be  singing  behind 
scenes,  while  reciter  gives  gipsy  dance  or  drill.  Reciter  runs  on  stage 
shaking  tamb  jurine.] 


I 


AM  a  little  gispy  girl, 

[Point  to  self  on  "I."] 


My  home  is  everywhere. 

[Extend  arms  out  at  side,  face  and  voice  expressing  "I  am  free  aa 
a  bird."] 

I  wander  in  the  shady  lane, 

[Body  shows   life   and   energy.       Point   off  at   side   on    "lane."] 

And  never  know  a  care. 

[Shake  head  joyfully,   hands  at  side.] 

They  tell  me  it  is  wrong  to  idle  life  away, 

[Bring  body  forward,  point  to  self  on  "me,"  face  expressing,  "What 
do  you  think?"] 

But  what  care  I  for  what  they  say? 

[Give  body  little  flirt  as  If  saying,  "I  don't  care  for  what  they  lay 
or  think."] 

[Dance.] 
The  little  birds  are  singing  sweet, 

[Step  forward  and  tell  audience  as  sweetly  as  possible  about  the  birds.] 

Wherever  I  may  go; 

[Give  as  if  saying,    "And  they  are   singing  for  me."] 

They  ever  sing  alone  to  me ; 

[Give  as   if  saying,    "Ah!   I   can  understand   their  every  sound."] 

No  sorrow  do  I  know. 

[Give  as  if  saying,    "I  am  always  happy  when  with  nature."] 

I  make  my  bed  at  night  wherever  I  may  be. 

[(a)  Give  this  as  if  saying,  "When  do  you  suppose  I  sleep?"  (b)  "Any- 
where?"] 

And  always  I'm  so  glad  and  free. 

[Cheerful  manner,  happy  voice,  arms  out  at  side.] 

[Dance.] 
The  birds  in  Spring-time  build  their  nests, 

[Point  oblique  front  for  "birds,"  cup  right  hand  in  left  hand,  showing 
how  they  build  "nests,"  voife  expressing  "Ah!  the  birds  and  I  are 
»o   happy — nature   is   beautiful."] 

The  little  flowers  grow : 

[Point  down  oblique  front  on  "flowers;"  voice  expressing  "They  are 
■o   pretty."] 


130 


WERNER'S  READINGS 


I  watch  them  all  the  sunny  day ; 

[Given  with  great  joy.] 

And  all  their  secrets  know. 

[Hold    head    as    if    listening,    then    nod.] 

They  nod  whenever  I  may  chance  to  pass  along; 
They're  glad  to  hear  my  merry  song. 

[Given  as  if  telling  a  story  you   enjoy  very  much.] 

[Dance.] 

[Following  is  to  be  sung  behind  scenes,  while  speaker  gives 
gipsy  dance  after  every  stanza.] 


-si- r— — F- N * IV- 


:? 


zfc-  d=t 


The        for  -    est       is       my     home,        and     there       I     love       to 


§ 


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AND  RECI TA TIOXS  XO.  50.  \2,\ 

PART  III. 
ENTERTAINMENTS 

DOLL  SALE  AND  PARTY. 


Characters:  12  dolls;  12  customers;  Shopkeeper.  Dolls  are 
represented  by  12  little  girls  from  three  to  four  years  of  age, 
customers  by  girls  of  about  ten  years,  and  Shopkeeper  by  girl 
of  twelve  or  fourteen. 

Costumes:  Shopkeeper,  white  jacket  and  skirt,  black  skull-cap, 
and 'spectacles.  Customers:  Scene  I.,  any  short,  pretty  gowns 
suitable  for  street,  hats  and  capes  or  jackets.  Scene  II.,  white 
house  gowns.  Dolls :  each  is  dressed  to  represent  some  nation, 
including  negro,  Eskimo,  Japanese,  German,  Indian,  Turk, 
Spaniard,  Norwegian,  Burman,  American,  Russian  and  Hol- 
land Dutch.  Costumes  should  be  bright  and  attractive  and 
may  be  copied  from  pictures  of  various  nations.  Japanese, 
Spanish,  Turkish  and  Burman  dolls  should  have  dresses  that 
touch  floor,  others  should  have  short  ones. 

SCENE  I.— THE  SALE. 
Stage:  Toy-Shop.  Have  long,  low  counter  (which  can  be  made 
of  boards  put  across  boxes  and  draped  along  front  with  dark 
cloth  or  shawls),  various  toys  hung  about,  and  at  back  behind 
counter  long  bench  on  which  are  standing  twelve  dolls.  Above 
counter  have  strip  of  white  cloth  on  which  is  painted : 

DOLLS  FOR  SALE.     FINEST  COLLECTION  IN  THE 
UNITED  STATES.      SPECIAL  PRICES. 

Curtain  rising,  reveals  dolls  in  line  and  Shopkeeper  standing 
behind  counter. 

SHOPKEEPER.  Well,  I  wonder  how  business  will  be  to- 
day? I've  just  got  in  a  nice  line  of  goods,  especially  in  dolls, 
and  I  hope  I'll  have  some  quick  sales.  Hello,  here  comes  a  cus- 
tomer now.     [Enter  little  girl.]     What  can  I  show  you,  madam? 

1st  Cus.    I  want  to  buy  a  Japanese  dolly.     Have  you  any  nice 
ones  ? 


132  WERNER'S  READINGS 

Shop.  Yes,  indeed !  Just  see  here.  [Picks  up  Japanese  doll 
and  stands  her  on  counter.']  You  couldn't  ask  anything  nicer  than 
this.  She  can  walk,  too.  [Winds  her  up  in  back  by  turning  an 
egg-beater  and  she  starts  to  walk,  going  length  of  counter  and 
back.]     Now  let  me  sell  you  this  fine  doll. 

1st  Cus.    What  is  the  price? 

Shop.     Only  $150,  madam,  and  very  cheap. 

1st  Cus.  Well,  I  don't  know  as  I  ought  to  pay  so  much,  but 
I'll  take  her.     [Pays  for  doll  with  money  cut  out  of  brown  paper.] 

Shop.     Shall  I  wrap  her  up  for  you? 

1st  Cus.  Oh,  no,  you  needn't  mind.  I'll  just  carry  her  as  she 
is.  Good  morning,  sir.  [Picks  up  doll  and  walks  out,  just  as  two 
more  customers  enter.] 

2nd  Cus.    Oh,  just  see  these  lovely  dolls,  aren't  they  beautiful? 

3rd  Cus.  Yes,  indeed !  The  finest  lot  I've  ever  seen.  Really, 
I  must  have  one. 

Shop.  Well,  ladies,  I  shall  be  very  glad  to  sell  you  each  one 
of  these  elegant  dolls.    What  can  I  show  you? 

2nd  Cus.  I'd  like  to  look  at  that  dear  little  Eskimo  in  white, 
please. 

3rd  Cus.    Well,  I  want  to  see  that  sweet  little  Russian  doll. 

Shop.  Very  well,  ladies.  [Places  Eskimo  and  Russian  dolls 
on  counter,  zvinds  them  up  and  they  begin  to  walk.] 

2nd  Cus.  Oh,  isn't  that  cunning?  I  must  have  the  Eskimo 
— how  much  is  it? 

Shop.  Well,  it's  hard  to  get  these  Eskimo  dolls;  they  come 
from  so  far  north.     I  can  let  you  have  that,  madam,  for  $200. 

3rd  Cus.    How  much  is  this  one  [pointing  to  Russian]  ? 

Shop.  That,  madam,  is  only  $175 — very  cheap.  I  hope  I  can 
sell  it  to  you. 

2nd  Cus  [after  whispering  to  3rd  Customer  for  a  moment]. 
Well,  we  will  take  these  two,  please.  [They  pay  for  them,  take 
them  in  their  arms  and  leave  stage.] 

Shop.    This  is  fine.    If  business  only  continues  I'll  sell  them  all 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  133 

off  to-day.  They're  a  splendid  lot  of  dolls  anyway.  Hello,  here 
comes  some  one.  [Enter  4th  Customer.]  Good  morning,  madam, 
what  can  I  show  you  to-day? 

4th  Cus.  I  wanted  to  look  at  your  dolls.  Oh,  what  lovely  ones 
ycu  have. 

Shop.    Yes,  ma'am,  just  got  in  a  new  lot. 

4th  Cus.    Let  me  see  that  Turkish  one,  please. 

Shop.  Certainly.  [Puts  her  on  counter,  winds  her  up  and  she 
begins  to  walk.    Enter  5th,  6th,  7th  and  8th  Customers.] 

5th  Cus.  Why,  just  see  these  elegant  dolls.  They  can  walk, 
too.    Aren't  they  just  too  cunning  for  anything? 

Shop.  Yes,  madam,  they  are  the  finest  lot  of  dolls  ever  brought 
to  this  country.     May  I  sell  you  one? 

5th  Cus.    Let  me  see  that  little  negro,  will  you  ? 

6th  Cus.     I  want  to  look  at  that  dear  little  Indian. 

7th  Cus.    Well,-  I  like  that  quaint  little  Dutch  doll. 

8th  Cus.     I  fancy  that  cunning  little  Burman  from  India. 

4th  Cus.     How  much  did  you  say  this  Turkish  doll  is? 

Shop.     Only  $150,  madam,  and  extremely  cheap. 

4th  Cus.  Well,  I'll  take  her.  [Pays,  picks  up  Turkish  doll  and 
walks  out.  Shopkeeper  puts  negro,  Indian,  Dutch  and  Burman 
dolls  on  counter,  winds  them  up  and  they  walk  twice  around  coun- 
ter in  single  Me.] 

6th  Cus.  Oh,  they  are  just  wonderful.  I  must  have  one  this 
very  day. 

7th  Cus.  So  must  I.  How  did  we  ever  get  along  without 
them? 

8th  Cus.    How  much  are  they? 

Shop.  Well,  if  you'll  take  these  four,  I'll  let  you'  have  them 
for  $150  apiece. 

5th,  6th,  7th  and  8th  Cus.  [together].  Oh,  we  must  have 
them  surely.     [They  pay,  each  takes  doll  and  they  go  out.] 

Shop.    This  is  splendid  !    Only  four  left.    I  hope  I  can  sell  them 


134  WERNER'S  READINGS 

to-day,  too.  I'll  soon  get  rich  at  this  rate.  Ah,  here  come  some 
more  customers.    [Enter  9th  Customer.]   Good  morning,  madam. 

9th  Cus.  I  heard  you  have  some  very  nice  dolls,  and  I  came 
in  to  look  at  them. 

Shop.  I  have  only  four  left,  ma'am.  They  are  going  very  fast. 
Which  one  do  you  think  you'd  like? 

9th  Cus.    Let  me  see  that  one  from  Norway,  please. 

Shop.  Certainly.  A  very  fine  doll.  [Puts  it  on  counter,  winds 
it  up.,  and  Norwegian  doll  walks  back  and  forth.  Enter  10th,  11th 
and  12th  Customers.] 

10th  Cus.  Oh,  dear,  I  do  hope  you  haven't  sold  all  of  those 
elegant  dolls.    We  just  heard  about  them.    Are  there  any  left? 

Shop.  Only  four,  lady.  This  one  from  Norway  [pointing  to 
one  on  counter]  ;  this  one  from  Germany  [puts  it  on  counter]  ; 
a  stylish  Spanish  lady,  and  this  American  beauty.  [Puts  them 
also  on  counter,  then  winds  them  up  and  the  four  promenade.] 

10th  Cus.  Oh,  what  beauties.  They're  the  sweetest  things  I 
ever  saw.     I  want  the  German  one. 

12th  Cus.  Well,  I  like  this  Spanish  Senorita.  She  is  perfectly 
charming. 

11th  Cus.  I'm  going  to  have  the  American  dolly.  She  is  the 
best  of  all. 

9th  Cus.    The  fair  doll  from  Norway  is  mine. 

12th  Cus.  How  much  are  they?  Now  make  them  cheap  or 
we  can't  afford  to  buy. 

Shop.  Well,  ladies,  seeing  they're  the  last  ones,  I'll  make  you 
the  four  at  only  $130  apiece,  which  is  remarkably  cheap  for  such 
elegant  dolls. 

11th  Cus.  Yes,  indeed,  I  think  so.  Well,  I  guess  we'll  take 
them.     [They  pay,  take  their  dolls  and  leave  stage.] 

Shop.  This  is  the  best  day's  work  I've  ever  done.  Guess  I'll 
have  to  go  and  put  all  this  money  into  the  bank  right  away.  [Takes 
money  and  leaves  stage,  just  as  curtain  falls.  Have  music  of  some 
kind  between  scenes.] 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  135 

SCENE  II.— THE  PARTY. 

Stage  :  Interior  of  room — Pretty  lamp,  placed  on  table  at  center 
back  of  stage.  Twelve  girls,  who  appeared  in  Scene  I.,  are 
seated  in  semicircle  about  center-stage,  each  in  small  sized 
rocking-chair,  holding  doll  straight  up  on  her  lap. 

1st  Cus.  We  have  heard  of  the  wonderful  dolls  of  fairyland, 
but  we  are  sure,  quite  sure,  no  little  mothers  ever  before  had  so 
marvelous  a  collection  of  dolls  as  ours !  Such  hair,  such  eyes, 
such  remarkable  size,  and  so  very  smart — 'tis  no  wonder  we  are 
proud  of  them.  I  wish  to  introduce  my  dear,  little,  bright-eyed 
Yakama  Homa  of  Japan.  [Winds  doll  up,  sets  her  dozvn  on  floor, 
and  little  Miss  Japan  zvalks  in  slozu,  stately  manner  to  front  of 
stage,  bows  and  returns  to  her  mamma.] 

2nd  Cus.  Allow  me  to  present  my  little  Nawadawa  from  the 
cold  land  of  the  Eskimos.  [Each  mother  in  turn,  as  she  intro- 
duces doll,  takes  egg-beater  and  winds  doll  up,  then  doll  walks 
to  front  of  stage,  bozvs  and  returns  to  place  on  mother's  lap.] 

3rd  Cus.  And  this  is  my  dear  Sophroniska  from  far-away 
Russia. 

4th  Cus.  Let  me  introduce  Alimaha,  a  modest  maiden  from 
Turkey 

5th  Cus.  Next  comes  little  Chloe  Topsiana,  a  merry  little 
darkey  direct  from  Africa. 

6th  Cus.  This  is  Minnehaha,  Laughing  Water,  fairest  of  the 
Indian  dollies. 

7th  Cus.  Next  comes  Wilhelmina,  the  quiet  little  Holland 
treasure. 

8th  Cus.  And  I  will  introduce  shy  little  Eweeio,  who  came 
from  far-distant  India. 

9th  Cus.  I'm  sure  you'll  be  glad  to  know  my  Olga  Gerda, 
from  the  land  of  the  midnight  sun. 

10th  Cus.  This  is  sunny;  busy  little  Gretchen  from  the  land 
of  Germany. 

11th  Cus.  And  my  dolly  is  from  the  best  land  in  the  whole 
world,  Uncle  Sam's  home  of  the  free.  She  is  a  true  Amercan 
beauty. 


136  WERNER'S  READINGS 

12th  Cus.  And  last,  but  not  least,  comes  Senorita  Juanita,  a 
charming  young  lady  from  sunny  Spain. 

1st  Cus.  There  is  a  game  called  "Skip  Around  the  Ring" 
that  dollies  are  fond  of  playing.    Why  not  let  our  pets  enjoy  it? 

2nd  Cus.    Sure  enough.    Let's  start  it  at  once. 

[They  pass  egg-beater  around  circle;  each  mother  winds  up  her 
doll,  and  dolls,  starting  from  right  of  stage,  skip  quickly  twice 
around  center  of  stage  in  circle,  then  return  to  places.  While  dolls 
are  skipping,  each  mother  takes  her  place  behind  chair  in  which 
she  sat.     When  dolls  come  back  each  one  climbs  up  in  her  chair.] 

3rd  Cus.  Now  our  dollies  are  tired  and  we  must  hush  them 
quickly  to  By-Low  land. 

[Each  mother  gently  sways  chair  in  which  her  doll  rests,  while 
they  sing  softly  to  piano  or  violin  accompaniment.1] 

SLUMBER  SONG. 
Tune:     "Light  after  Darkness,"  in  "Gospel  Hymns." 

Over  thy  drowsy  eyes, 

Tired  eyelids  creep, 
Now  in  the  By-Low  land 

Rest  thee,  and  sleep; 

[Dolls  slide  down  in  chairs,  tip  heads  to  one  side  and  go  h 

sleep.] 

Angels  are  hovering  near, 

Mothers  watch  nigh; 
Rest  thee  and  sweetly  sleep, 
By  baby  by. 

[Very  softly.] 

Hushed  is  thy  laughter  gay, 

Tired  eyelids  close, 
Now  in  the  land  of  dreams 

Take  thy  repose; 

Angels  are  hovering  near, 

Mothers  watch  nigh; 
Rest  thee  and  sweetly  sleep, 
By  baby  by. 

[Each  mother  stands  with  right  hand  on  her  chair,  left  hand 
raised  as  if  asking  blessing  for  sleeping  child,  eyes  turned  upward. 
Very  soft,  sweet  music  is  played  and  colored  light  is  thrown  on 
scene.] 

[curtain.] 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  137 

LOST  PENKNIFE. 


STANLEY  SCHELL. 


Characters  :    Jennie,  Alice,  Clara,  Julia. 

Costumes:    School  clothes. 

Scene:  Class-room,  desks,  chairs,  etc.,  facing  R.  Teacher  on 
platform  at  R. ;  underneath  desk  trash-basket.  At  desk  near 
L.  is  Jennie  rummaging  hastily  through  her  desk.  She  looks 
on  top  and  within  but  does  not  find  what  she  is  looking  for. 
Other  girls  are  scattered  about  room  seated  at  different  desl.s 
apparently  studying. 

JENNIE.  Oh,  girls,  what  do  you  think,  that  beautiful  pearl- 
handled  knife  of  mine  is  gone !     I  can't  find  it  anywhere ! 

Girls.  Can't  find  it  anywhere?  Why,  that's  too  bad.  When 
did  you  lose  it? 

Jennie.  Oh,  I  didn't  lose  it,  I'm  sure  of  that,  for  I  put  it  on 
top  of  my  desk  about  ten  minutes  ago  when  Lucy  Miller  was  here 
talking.  She  picked  it  up  while  I  was  busy  and  said,  "What  a 
pretty  knife;  I've  always  longed  to  have  a  knife  like  that."  I 
thought  she  put  it  down,  but  she  certainly  didn't,  for  it's  not  here. 

Alice.  Did  you  look  carefully  everywhere  ?  You  know,  Jennie, 
you  are  so  careless  about  everything  of  yours,  and  it  is  so  difficult 
to  find  things  you  have  put  away.     It  may  still  be  in  your  desk. 

Jennie.  Oh,  no,  I  know  it's  not  there.  It's  not  anywhere.  I'm 
sure  Lucy  Miller  stole  it. 

Clara.  Oh,  Jennie,  you  ought  to  be  careful  of  what  you  say. 
Lucy  Miller  is  one  of  the  nicest  girls  in  our  class,  and  I  don't 
think  you  ought  to  accuse  her  without  being  perfectly  sure.  I'm 
sure  she's  honest  if  she  is  poor — do  look  again,  dear. 

Jennie.  Oh,  I  won't !  I'm  tired  of  looking.  I  just  know  she 
took  it.    And  I'm  going  to  tell  every  one  about  it. 

Julia.  At  least  wait  until  to-morrow  before  you  do.  You 
may  yet  find  it.    Have  you  looked  in  the  trash-basket  ? 

Jennie.  Looked  in  the  trash-basket?  Indeed,  I  haven't;  and 
why  should  I? 


138  WERNER'S  READINGS 

Julia.  Because  I  saw  you  carry  a  lot  of  trash  there  a  few  mo- 
ments ago,  and  it  may  be  there. 

Jennie.  Well,  I  don't  believe  it,  and  I  shan't  look.  If  you're 
so  anxiaus  to  prove  Lucy  Miller  innocent,  why,  look  yourself. 

Julia.    Well,  I  will  look ;  I  believe  in  being  square  at  least. 

All.    And  we,  too,  will  help  her.    The  knife  may  Le  there. 

[They  all  go  to  basket  and  turn  it  upside  down  upon 
floor.    About  middle  of  trash  knife  is  found  by  Julia.] 

Julia.  There  it  is,  Jennie.  What  did  I  say?  Wouldn't  it  have 
been  awful  if  you  had  gone  about  accusing  Lucy  wrongfully? 
Well,  it  has  taught  me  a  lesson.  [Hands  Jennie  knife.]  I'll  be 
very  careful  whom  I  accuse  when  anything  of  mine  is  missing. 
I'd  rather  lose  a  thousand  things  than  to  be  guilty  of  so  cruel  a 
thing.     I  hope,  Jennie,  you're  sorry. 

Jennie.  I  am,  girls ;  and  I  shan't  forget  this  lesson  in  a  hurry. 
I'm  so  glad  Lucy  doesn't  know  what  I  said,  and  I'm  sure  you'll 
not  tell  her.     It's  a  lesson  for  me,  and  I'll  profit  by  it. 


EASTER  TABLEAUX. 


STANLEY  SCHELL. 


NOTE. — This  style  of  entertainment  may  be  reproduced  in  various  ways.  If 
a  "Lily  Drill  and  Tableaux"  is  desired,  substitute  lilies  of  any  kind,  and  march 
and  countermarch  to  spell  "Lilies."  If  "Blossom  Day"  or  "June  Sunday"  is  to  be 
celebrated,  use  roses  in  parade  and  tableaux,  and  the  day  celebrated  may  bo 
spelled  in  marching,  etc.  "Our  National  Flower"  may  be  spelled  in  the  enter- 
tainment,   each   girl   carrying    "Golden   Rod." 

Characters  :    Twelve  girls. 

Costumes  Pure  white  dresses;  soft  white  sandals.  Each  girl 
carries  bunch  of  light  green  cheese-cloth,  having  two  or  three 
Easter  lilies  at  each  end  (lilies  may  be  real  or  artificial). 

Music :    Soft,  graceful,  in  waltz  time. 

Stage  :    Decorate  in  soft  green  cheese-cloth  and  Easter  lilies. 

Directions  :  All  stand  in  line  outside  left  entrance  to  stage.  Sig- 
nals are  given  on  piano.  Steps  should  be  gliding,  graceful, 
easy.  To  "pose"  means  that  girls  at  front  part  of  letters  kneel 
and  bend  as  low  as  possible ;  girls  immediately  behind  a  little 
higher,  and  so  on,  graduating  in  height  until  back  girls  are 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  139 

standing  erect.  Cheese-cloth  with  lilies  are  all  joined  form- 
ing desired  letter.  Each  letter  formed  slants  from  front  up. 
Letters  are  formed  above  heads  of  girls. 

MUSIC  begins.  Girls  glide  easily  to  back-center,  holding 
cheese-cloth  and  lilies  in  left  hand,  at  side.  Halt  at  back- 
center  a  moment,  then  glide  (in  shape  of  capital  letter  E)  to  posi- 
tions, forming  capital  letter  E.     Pose.     Hold. 

Signal.  All  stand  erect,  cheese-cloth  in  left  hand.  Glide  around 
stage  left  to  back-center.  Halt  a  moment.  Move  forward  in  sin- 
gle lines,  in  opposite  directions,  diagonally,  to  form  capital  letter 
A,  last  three  girls  stepping  between  to  form  center  line  of  capital 
A.    Pose.    Hold. 

Signal.  All  stand  erect,  cheese-cloth  in  left  hand.  Left  line 
faces  audience.  Right  and  center  lines  face  back  of  stage.  Left 
line  marches  around  by  left  side  to  back-center  followed  by  right 
line  and  then  center  line.  Halt.  Glide  (in  shape  of  capital  letter 
S)  to  positions,  forming  capital  letter  S.     Pose.     Hold. 

Signal.  All .  stand  erect,  cheese-cloth  in  right  hand.  Glide 
around  right  side  of  stage  to  back-center.  Five  girls  glide  up 
stage-center,  forming  stage-center  line.  Then  three  more  girls 
glide  to  right,  and  three  more  girls  glide  to  left,  making  one  line 
across  back  of  stage,  and  leaving  space  behind  last  girl  of  stage- 
center  line.  Into  this  space  steps  remaining  girl,  all  forming  capi- 
tal letter  T.     Pose.     Hold. 

Signal.  All  stand  erect,  cheese-cloth  in  left  hand.  Center  line 
glides  around  left  side  to  back-center,  followed  by  three  girls  from 
left  side,  then  three  girls  from  right,  and  lastly  center  girl.  Halt 
a  moment.  All  glide  (in  shape  of  capital  E)  to  positions,  forming 
letter  E.    Pose.    Hold. 

Signal.  All  stand  erect,  cheese-cloth  in  right  hand.  Glide 
around  right  side  of  stage  to  back-center.  Halt  a  moment.  Four 
girls  glide  up  stage-center.  Halt.  This  line  moves  one  foot  to 
right.  Four  girls  form  oblique  line  just  in  front  of  third  center 
girl  and  ending  in  direction  of  left  side  of  stage.  Remaining  girls 
form  curve  of  upper  part  of  capital  letter  R,  Form  capital  letter 
R.     Pose.    Hold. 


140  WERNER'S  READINGS 

Signal.     All  stand  erect, "  cheese-cloth  in  left  hand.     Glide  out 
by  right  side  of  stage. 

NOTE. — To  add  to  effectiveness  of  this  drill  have  letters'  forming  "Easter" 
cut  out  of  cardboard  and  covered  with  gilt  paper,  and  fastened  above  and  behind 
curtain  in  such  a  way  that,  at  signal,  they  can  be  let  down  in  sight  of  audience. 
As  tableau  E  is  given,  cardboard  letter  is  shown.  After  each  tableau  a  new  letter 
appears,  until  whole  word  "Easter"  is  formed.  Large  gilt  star  may  be  fastened 
in  position  between  letters  S  and  T.  This  star  is  to  be  dropped  last,  as  girls  are 
leaving   stage,    and   should   hang   above   word    "Easter" 


OLD-FASHIONED  GARDEN. 


Flower  Play. 


STANLEY  SCHELL. 


Characters:    Flowers  and  Showers  (girls). 

Scene:     Old-fashioned  garden. 

Time  :    Hot  June  day. 

Costumes  :  Flowers  impersonate  poppies,  pansies,  daisies,  bache- 
lor-buttons, hollyhocks,  pinks,  mignonette,  roses,  etc.  Showers 
are  dressed  in  gray  and  carry  watering-pots  tied  with  bright 
ribbons,  or  trimmed  with  leaves. 

Rise  of  Curtain  :  Flowers  are  seen  in  various  groupings  about 
garden.  The  aim  is  to  make  pretty  picture  as  Flowers  revive 
after  being  sprinkled  by  Showers.  Flowers  look  drooping  as 
if  parched  from  heat. 

Poppies. 

ERE  in  our  place  in  the  big  flower-beds 
We  poppies  drowsily  droop  our  heads. 
[All  heads  droop  lower.'] 

Pansies  and  Daisies. 

We  little  Pansies  and  Daisies  fair 
Have  to  hide  our  eyes  from  the  sun's  fierce  glare. 
[Hide  eyes  with  arms.] 


H 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  141 

Bachelor-Buttons  and  Hollyhocks. 

We  Bachelor-Buttons  and  Hollyhocks  gay 
Just  sleepily,  sleepily  nod  away. 
[Heads  nod  sleepily.~\ 

All  Flowers  [very  slowly] . 

Sleepily,  sleepily  nod  away 
Out  in  the  garden  this  hot  June  day — 
This  hot  June  day. 
[Very  slowly  toward  end,  and  very  drowsily.'] 

Pinks. 

We  pretty  pinks,  with  spicy  scent, 
Must  lower  and  lower  keep  proud  heads  bent. 
[Lower  heads  proudly.] 

Mignonette.  ' 

Long  for  the  winds  that  are  cool  and  wet. 
And  I,  the  patient  Mignonette, 

[Speaks  with  air  of  patience  and  resignation.] 

Roses. 

And  my  Roses,  sound  asleep  they  lie, 

And  dream  of  summer  showers  nigh. 

[Close  eyes  and  act  dreamily.] 

All  Flowers  [rouse  a  moment,  gaze  toward  sky,  sigh,  then  while 
speaking  slowly  fall  asleep.] 

Dreaming  of  summer  showers  nigh 
Out  in  this  garden  this  hot  June  day — 
This  hot  June  day. 

[Shozvers  enter  hastily  and  gaze  around  in  surprise. 
They  quickly  lift  watering-pots  and  trip  in  and  out  among 
Flowers,  sprinkling  them  gently  as  they  talk.] 

Showers. 

With  soothing  murmur  down  come  the  showers 
To  cool  an  1  comfort  the  thirsty  flowers. 


142  WERNER'S  READINGS 

[Flowers  begin  to  straighten  up  slowly,  and  as  Showers 
pass  them  a  second  time  hold  up  hands  in  cup-form  to  catch 
more  raindrops.} 

All  Flowers. 

We  blossoms  now  lift  our  tiny  cups, 
And  fill  them  with  raindrops — up — up — up, 
And  feel  them  splash  on  every  spray. 
How  the  rain  runs  in  rills  down  the  old  pathway 
Out  in  our  garden  this  wet  June  day — 
This  wet  June  day 

[Floivers  are  now  all  erect  and  smiling.  As  Showers  trip  off 
stage  and  disappear,  Flowers  nod  gently,  right  and  left,  then  back- 
ward and  forward,  and  so  on,  in  time  to  music.     Curtain.] 


SANTA  CLAUS  AT  SCHOOL. 


Characters:  Santa  Claus,  Teacher,  Scholars,  Dunce, 
Christmas  Elves. 

Scene  :  School-room  decorated  with  evergreens.  Large  Christ- 
mas-tree in  corner.  Dunce,  wearing  dunce-cap,  on  stool  in 
center  of  room.  Teacher  at  desk.  Reading-class  standing 
before  teacher's  desk.     Other  pupils  seated. 

TEACHER  [rapping  desk] .    Attention  !    Your  toes  are  not  all 
on  the  chalk-mark.    Mary  Brown,  you  must  not  stand  on  one 
foot.     Sarah  Jones,  keep  erect.     Anna  Smith,  put  your  hands  be- 
hind you.     Now,  Mary  Wood,  read  the  first  stanza. 
Mary  [in  piping  voice]. 

"  'Twas  the  night  before  Christmas,  and  all  through  the  house 
Not  a  creature  was  stirring,  not  even  a  mouse." 

Teacher.  Hum-ha !  Not  quite  right.  You  should  pitch  the 
tone  lower.  But  your  emphasis  is  good.  Now,  Alice  Green,  pro- 
ceed. 

Alice  [lisping]. 

"The  stockingths  were  hung  by  the  chimney  with  care, 
In  hopths  that  thaint  Nicholath  thoon  would  be  there." 

Teacher.    I  wish,  Alice  that  you  might  learn  to  pronounce  more 

distinctly.    However,  I  know  you  always  try  to  do  your  best.  Now, 

Jennie  White. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  SO,  143 

Jennie  [in  rapid,  sing-song  tone']. 

"The  children  were  nestled  all   snug  in  their  beds, 
While  visions  of  sugar-plums  danced  in  their  heads." 

Teacher.     Oh,  much  too  fast !     Try  the  verse  once  more. 

[Jennie  repeats  verse  in  slow,  drawling  voice.  Dunce 
laughs  aloud.'] 

Teacher  [frowning  over  glasses].  You  should  adopt  a  me- 
dium tone,  neither  too  fast  nor  too  slow.  [Points  ruler  at  Dunce.] 
Katie  Neverready,  you  may  remain  fifteen  minutes  after  school. 
Susan  Snow,  it  is  your  turn  next. 

Susan  [reads]. 

"And  mamma  in  her  kerchief,  and  I  in  my  cap, 
Had  just  settled  ourselves  for  a  long  winter's  nap — " 

Teacher.  Excellent,  Susan  !  I  am  proud  of  you.  Ella  Tucker, 
you  may  go  on. 

Ella  [in  very  loud  tone]. 

"When  out  on  the  lawn  there  arose  such   a  clatter," 

[Dunce,  who  has  been  gazing  over  top  of  book  through 
window,  raises  hand  and  waves  it  frantically.     Teacher 
takes  no  notice  of  it.] 
Ella. 

"I  sprang  from  my  bed  to  see  what  was  the  matter." 

[As  Ella  pronounces  "what"  loud  knock  is  heard. 
Pupils  start,  and  Teacher  springs  to  feet.] 

Teacher.    What  noise  was  that? 

Dunce.  If  you  please,  ma'am,  there  is  a  queer  old  person 
knocking  at  the  door. 

Teacher.     Susie  Smart,  open  the  door. 

[Susie  throws  door  open.  Enter  Santa  Claus,  dressed 
in  long  fur  coat  and  carrying  staff  upon  which  he  leans  as 
if  very  feeble.  Fur  cap  almost  covers  face,  and  spectacles 
conceal  eyes.] 

Santa  Claus  [in  weak,  tremulous  voice].  I  have  wandered 
from  my  way,  ma'am,  and  am  cold  and  weary.  May  I  sit  in  the 
room  a  moment  or  two  till  I  am  rested  ? 


144  WERNER'S  READINGS 

Teacher.  Indeed,  you  may,  and  we  will  make  you  welcome. 
Susie,  place  a  chair  near  the  fire  for  our  visitor. 

[Santa  Claus  crosses  room  with  feeble  step  and  sits 
by  fire.    Looks  about  him.] 

Santa  Claus.  This  room  has  a  Christmas  look.  I  take  it  the 
school  intends  to  keep  Christmas  this  year. 

Teacher.  Why,  yes,  we  think  there  is  no  day  like  Christmas, 
and  we  are  planning  to  celebrate  it  with  songs  and  recitations,  at 
close  of  which  we  shall  distribute  gifts  to  the  poor. 

Santa  Claus.    A  very  good  idea. 

Teacher.  We  were  rehearsing  a  poem  when  you  knocked,  and, 
with  your  permission,  we  will  resume  the  lesson. 

Santa  Claus  [turning  suddenly  tozvards  Jennie  White]. 
What  is  the  name  of  the  poem,  and  who  is  its  author? 

Jennie.  The  poem  is  called  "The  Night  Before  Christmas," 
and  it  was  written  by  Clement  C.  Moore. 

Santa  Claus.  Aha !  I  know  that  poem  very  well,  I  can 
repeat  every  word  of  it  myself.  [Addresses  Teacher.]  I  am 
so  familiar  with  it  that  I  am  sure  you  will  not  be  offended  if  I 
say,  plainly,  that  I  rather  hear  your  pupils  recite  something  else. 
Would  you  allow  me  to  ask  the  school  a  few  questions  while  I 
warm  myself? 

Teacher  [in  surprised  tone].  Why,  certainly.  Ask  whatever 
questions  you  desire.  [Strikes  bell.    Reading-class  march  to  seats.] 

Santa  Claus.    Can  any  one  tell  me  why  we  keep  Christmas  ? 

Very  Small  Girl  [rises  and  recites]. 

"Long  years  ago,  at  Bethlehem, 

One    holy    Christmas    morn, 
Beneath  a  stable's  humble  roof, 

The  Saviour,  dear,  was  born. 
Down  from  the  skies,  on  plumy  wings, 

Bright  angels  floated    then, 
And  sang  this  carol,  'Peace  on  earth, 

Good  will,  good  will  to  men.' " 

Santa  Claus.  Oh,  that  was  a  blessed,  blessed  day.  Never 
forget  the  Christ-child  in  the  manger,  and  why  he  came  to  earth. 
Never  forget  the  meaning  of  the  angels'  song,  "Peace  on  earth, 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  145 

Good  will  to  men."     I  should  like  to  ask  you,  children,  when  the 
bells  ring  on  Christmas  morning,  what  they  seem  to  say  to  you  ? 
Larger  Girl  [recites]. 

"  'Love  one,  love  all,' 

That's   what  the  bells   are   ringing, 
On    Christmas    morn 

Within  the  belfry  swinging; 
'Love   home,  love  friends, 

Love  all  the  bounteous  earth, 
And  praise  the  Lord, 

For  the  blest  Christ-Child's  birth.' 
"  'Love  one,  love  all,' 

That's   what  the   bells   are   saying, 
On    Christmas   morn, 

Within    the    steeple    swaying; 
'Love  birds,  love  beasts. 

Love  all  the  things  of  earth, 
And  praise  the  Lord 

For  the  blest  Christ-Child's  birth.'" 

Santa  Claus.  I  am  pleased  that  you  understand  the  language 
of  the  bells.  Love  is,  indeed,  the  Christmas  motto.  If  our  hearts 
are  full  of  love  of  Jesus  we  shall  love  all  mankind,  and  birds  and 
beasts,  and  flowers,  and  home  and  country.  I  hope  you  love  your 
country,  children. 

[Children  all    rise  and    sing  one  or    more    stanzas  of 
"America,"  then  seat  themselves.] 

Santa  Claus.     I  am  sure  now  that  you  do  love  your  country. 
I  trust  that  you  love  your  homes  also. 
Small  Girl  [rises  and  recites]. 

"Where  is  there  so  dear  a"  place 

As   home,  sweet  home? 
No  other  spot  has   such  a  charm, 

Where    e'er    we    roam; 
Whether  we  live  'neath  lowly  roof 

Or  lordly  dome 
Forever  lives  within  our  hearts 

The  love  of  home." 

Santa  Claus.  That  is  well  said.  For  my  part,  I  love  my  own 
home  dearly.  That  you  love  your  friends  I  know ;  for  your  teacher 
has  told  me  that  you  intend,  to  surprise  your  poorer  neighbors  with 
gifts.  It  is  a  beautiful  tree.  [Glances  at  Christmas-tree.]  In- 
deed, I  think  that  the  Christmas-tree  ought  to  be  called  "king  of 
the  forest."    Don't  you  agree  with  me? 


146  WERNER'S  READINGS 

Larger  Girl  [rises  and  recites] . 

"The  Christmas-tree!     The  Christmas-tree! 
Ah,  that's  the  tree  of  all  for  me! 
With    candles   bright,   its   boughs   alight, 
What  other  tree  is  such  a  sight? 

"The  Christmas-tree!     The  Christmas-tree! 
Oh,  that's  the  tree  of  all  for  me! 
From  top  to  root  it  bends  with  fruit 
That  sure  the  taste  of  all  must  suit. 

"The  Christmas-tree!     The  Christmas-tree! 
So    bright,    so   beautiful   to   see! 
While  joy-bells  ring,  we  hail  him  king 
Of  woods  and  Christmas  revelling!" 

Santa  Claus.  Hurrah  for  the  Christmas-tree !  In  my  garden 
I  have  nothing  else  growing.  [Teacher  and  children  regard  him 
with  surprise.]  But,  children,  there  is  one  more  question  I  would 
like  to  ask.  If  you  spend  all  your  money  buying  gifts  for  your 
poor  friends,  what  will  you,  yourselves,  do  on  Christmas  Day? 

Dunce  [shouting  loudly].  Santa  Claus  will  bring  us  some  pres- 
ents ! 

Santa  Claus.    Eh  !    What's  that  ? 

All  the  School  [loudly].  Santa  Claus  will  bring  us  some 
presents ! 

Santa  Claus.  Santa  Claus?  Santa  Claus?  Why,  whom  do 
you  mean  by  Santa  Claus? 

Dunce.  I  guess  you've  never  been  a  child,  if  you  don't  know 
Santa  Claus ! 

Santa  Claus.  Why,  I  may  have  heard  the  name.  Somehow  it 
has  a  familiar  sound.     Please  tell  me  something  about  the  person. 

[Five  children  advance  to  center  of  stage.] 

First  Child. 

"Old   Santa   Claus   dwells   far   away, 
Where   six  months  long  is  every  day; 
Far,  far  up,  by  the  cold  North  Pole, 
Lives  Santa  Claus,  that  dear  old  soul." 

Second  Child. 

"His  palace  is  all  built  of  snow, 
Like  diamonds  the  turrets  glow; 
From  floor  to  ceiling,  packed  in  ice, 
Are  books,  and  games,  and  all  things  nice." 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  147 

Third  Child. 

"His   food   is   seals   and  polar  bears, 
And  fur  of  wolf  and  fox  he  wears; 
Eight  tiny  reindeer  draw  his  sleigh, 
And  swifter  than  the  birds  are  they." 

Fourth  Child. 

"His  beard  is  long,  and  snowy  white, 
With  icicles  it  glitters  bright; 
His  cheeks  are  redder  than  a  rose, 
And  so's  his  jolly  little  nose." 

Fifth  Child. 

"To  each  bad  child  does  Santa  bring 
Stout  rods  of  birch  that  smart  and  sting; 

[Dunce  begins  to  cry.] 

But  all  good  girls  and  all  good  boys, 
He'll  load  with  candy,  cakes  and  toys." 

Santa  Claus.  Ha  !  ha !  ha !  A  good  description.  Yes,  yes,  I 
know  Santa  Claus,  myself,  and  have  known  him  many  a  year. 
Why,  bless  me !  he's  one  of  my  most  intimate  friends.  He  looks 
like  this.  [Rises  and  throws  off  fnr  coat  and  tosses  away  cap  and 
spectacles.'] 

Children  [shouting  excitedly].  Why,  you  are  Santa  Claus, 
yourself ! 

Santa  Claus.  Of  course,  I  am.  Who  should  I  be  but  myself? 
[Addresses  Teacher.]  I  had  heard,  from  my  little  friends  the 
snow-birds,  a  good  report  of  your  school,  and  thought  I  would 
visit  it  in  disguise  and  judge  for  myself.  [Addresses  children.] 
I  find  the  snow-birds  have  told  the  truth.  They  said  you  were  a 
good,  kind,  polite  and  studious  set  of  children,  and  so  you  are,  so 
you  are.     I  never  saw  better  children. 

All  [except  Dunce].     Oh,  thank  you,  dear  Santa  Claus! 

[Santa  Claus  claps  hands.  Enter  Christmas  Elves. 
Six  girls,  dressed  in  white  with  trimmings  of  evergreen  and 
holly  berries,  bring  large  bundle  and  place  it  at  Santa 
Claus's  feet.  They  join  hands  and  dance  about  him  in  cir- 
cle, singing,  Air :  "Lightly  Rozl>."] 

"Merrily,  merrily, 
Round,  and  round,  and  round  go  we, 
In  a  ring,  while  we  sing 
Of  the  joys   that  spring 


148  WERNER'S  READINGS 

At  the  happy  Christmas-tide, 
When  all  hearts  are  opened  wide, 
Love  must  rule  home  and  school, 
During  merry  Yule! 

"Merrily,  merrily, 
Round,  and  round,  and  round  go  we, 
Blythe  and  gay,  while  we  say, 
/Hail  loved  Christmas  Day!' 
Day  of  deepest,  sweetest  joys, 
Dearest  day  to  girls  and  boys, 
Love  must  rule  home  and  school 
During  merry  Yule!" 

[Afftcr  song,  Santa  Claus  opens  p.ack  and  Christ- 
"     mas  Elves  distribute  gifts  to  children.    Dunce  weeps  bit- 
terly; his  sobs  finally  attract  Santa  Clauses  attention.] 

,  Santa  Claus.    What  makes  you  cry,  my  child? 

Dunce  [sobbing  still  more  bitterly].  Be-be-because  I  am  a  b-b- 
bad  girl,  and  c-c-can't  have  anything  but  b-b-birch  r-r-rods. 

Santa  Claus  [sternly].    In  what  way  are  you  bad? 

Dunce.  I  p-p-play  in  study  time,  and  w-w-whisper  in  recitation 
time,  and  sc-sc-scratch  my  desk,  and  m-m-make  a  noise  when  I 
should  be  quiet,  and  have  to  st-st-stand  on  the  d-d-dunce  stool  half 
the  day,  and 

Santa  Claus.  Stop  a  moment.  You  look  like  a  bright  child. 
Can't  you  be  good  if  you  try? 

Dunce.     Oh,  yes,  sir.     I  know  how  to  be  good. 

Santa  Claus.  I  am  glad  to  hear  that,  and  as  I  dislike  to  see 
any  one  unhappy  at  Christmas  time,  I  shall  make  you  this  offer. 
[Takes  gold  medal  from  pocket.']  If,  at  the  end  of  next  term  you 
are  perfect  in  deportment  and  have  improved  in  your  studies,  this 
medal  will  be  given  to  you  by  your  teacher,  in  whose  care  I  will 
leave  it.  [Presents  medal  to  Teacher.]  Meanwhile  take  this.  It 
may  prove  an  incentive.     [Gives  a  scholar's  companion.] 

Dunce  [after  examining  gift].  This  is  ever  so  much  nicer  than 
a  bundle  of  birch  rods.    I  will  be  a  good  child  from  this  day. 

[Christmas  Elves  remove  dunce-cap.  and  help  Dunce 
down  from  dunce-stool.  Teacher  and  scholars  clap  hands, 
then  gather  about  Santa  Claus  and  sing:  Air:  "Deck 
the  Hall  with  Boughs  of  Holly."] 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  I49 

'Not  a  heart  here  but  rejoices, 

Tra,  la,  la,  la,  la,  Tra,  la,  la,  la, 
Come,  then,  let  us  raise  our  voices, 

Tra,  la,  la,  la,  la,  Tra,  la,  la,  la, 
Loud  and  clear  the  chorus  ringing, 
Praise  of  good  old  Santa  singing, 

Tra,  la,  la,  la,  la,  Tra,  la,  la,  la. 
'Merry  Christmas  comes  each  year, 

Tra,  la,  la,  la,  la,  etc., 
And,  with  it,  comes  Santa,  dear, 

Tra,  la,  la,  la,  la,  etc., 
Gifts  he  brings  to  fill  £he  measure, 
Of  the  children's  joy  and  pleasure, 

Tra,  la,  la,  la,  la,  etc. 
'Santa  we  can  ne'er  forget  you, 

Tra,  la,  la,  la,  la,  etc., 
Glad  are  we  that  we  have  met  you, 

Tra,  la,  la,  la,  la,  etc., 
Now  we  thank  you  most  sincerely, 
And,  fore'er,  will  love  you  dearly, 

Tra,  la,  la,  la,  la,  etc." 


ONE  WEEK  IN  A  MOTHER'S  LIFE. 


STANLEY  SCHELL. 


NOTE. — "Repose  Tableau"  means  that  tableau  has  no  action  and  no  changes 
are  made  after  curtains  open.  "Pantomime  Tableau"  means  that  certain  things 
are   done   by   those   taking   part   after    curtains   open. 


TABLEAU  I. 

Monday.— Washing-Day . 

Characters:    Two  small  girls. 

Costumes  :  Plain  calico  dresses  and  gingham  aprons.  Hair 
smooth. 

Stage:  Clothes-line,  hung  with  doll  clothes,  stretched  across 
stage.  Girl,  holding  with  one  hand  small  skirt  against  clothes- 
line, faces  audience.  On  table  near  stage  front  small  wash- 
tub,  filled  with  suds  and  with  wash-board  in  it,  faces  audience. 
Girl  behind  tub  leans  over  wash-board  ready  to  wash. 

Tableau:  Curtains  open  on  Repose  Tableau.  Curtains  close; 
open  again  and  disclose  Pantomime  Tableau :  One  girl  fas- 
tening clothes  to  line,  other  girl  washing.  Girl  at  wash-board 
stops  washing,  looks  un  nnd  recites  first  two  lines  of  Stanza 
I.  Pantomime  and  Recitation:  Beginning  with  "sleeves, 
etc.,"  she  goes  to  washing  again  until  she  reaches  "drying," 
when  she  glances  around  at  clothes  on  line,  then  back  at  audi- 
ence as  she  finishes  stanza.     Curtains  close. 


150  WERNER'S  READINGS 

STANZA  I. 

MONDAY  is  always  our  washing-day, 
So  not  a  moment  can  I  stay, 
Sleeves  rolled  up  and  soap-suds  flying, 
All  the  clothes  will  soon  be  drying. 
I'm  sure  that  not  a  bit  of  dirt 
Will  be  seen  on  either  frock  or  skirt. 
TABLEAU  II. 
Tuesday. — Ironing-Day. 

Characters:     One  small  girl  and  doll. 

Costumes  :    Plain  calico  dress.    Hair  smooth  and  neat. 

ctage  :  Table  on  right  side  of  stage :  on  table  ironing-stand  and 
small  iron;  ironing-board  on  table  and  on  back  of  girl's 
chair ;  on  ironing-board  pile  of  collars.  Girl  stands  behind 
ironing-board,  facing  audience.  Near  her,  short  distance  from 
chair,  is  doll's  clothes-horse  hung  with  nicely  ironed  doll's 
clothes. 

Tableau  :  Curtains  open  and  disclose  Repose  Tableau.  Curtains 
close ;  open  again  and  disclose  Pantomime  Tableau  :  Girl  ex- 
amines collars  closely,  feels  of  iroi:  after  moistening  finger, 
puts  iron  down,  goes  to  dolly  and  fixes  her  in  chair,  then  back 
to  ironing-stand  and  picks  up  collar,  smoothes  it,  looks  at 
audience.  Pantomime  and  Recitation :  Recites  first  three 
lines  of  Stanza  II.  At  "the  iron  hot,"  she  touches  iron,  and 
with  fourth  line  points  to  heap  of  collars;  then  takes  one, 
smoothes  it,  and  as  she  finishes  lines,  irons  collars.  Curtains 
close. 

STANZA  II. 

Tuesday  is  always  our  ironing-day. 
All  the  wash-tubs  are  put  away: 
The  board  is  smooth,  the  iron  hot, 
What  a  heap  of  collars  we  have  got! 
Every  wrinkle  must  be  well  pressed 
Before  I  dare  sit  down  to  rest. 
TABLEAU  III. 
Wednesday. — Mending-Day. 
Characters  :     One  small  girl  and  two  dolls. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  SO.  151 

Costume:  Neat  white  dress  with  white  apron.  Hair  crimped  and 
tied  with  fancy  ribbon. 

Stage  :  Table  near  stage  center.  On  table  fancy  table-cloth  and 
pile  of  doll's  clothes,  just  as  they  came  from  ironing-table; 
also  work-basket  near  pile  of  clothes.  To  left  of  table  little 
chair  used  in  Tableau  II.,  and  in  it  large  doll.  To  right  of 
table  girl  sits  in  rocking-chair.  At  her  feet  doll  partly  un- 
dressed. 

Tableau  :  Curtains  open  and  disclose  Repose  Tableau.  Curtains 
close ;  open  again  and  disclose  Pantomime  Tableau :  Girl,  with 
stocking  over  her  hand  darning  it.  looks  up  occasionally  at 
her  dolls.  Pantomime  and  Recitation :  Recites  Stanza  III., 
and  darns  stockings.     Curtains  close. 

STANZA  III. 
Wednesday  is  our  mending-day. 
Then  our  clothes  are  put  away. 
Stockings  to  darn,  clothes  to  mend, 
With  none  a  helping  hand  to  lend. 
No  rest  for  me  I  plainly  see  [.y^/is] 
If  I  would  clean  and  tidy  be. 

TABLEAU  IV. 
Thursday. — Visiting-Day. 

Characters  :    Any  number  of  small  girls  to  ten. 

Costumes:  All  very  elaborate,  of  bright  colors  and  long  trains. 
Hair  done  up  high. 

Stage  :  Small  table  at  stage  center.  On  table  cups  and  saucers 
and  fancy  tea-pot  or  tea-kettle  with  lighted  lamp  under  it. 
Small  fancy  chairs  and  sofas  about  stage  with  several  girls 
seated  holding  cups  and  saucers,  also  several  girls  about  to 
enter.    Hostess  stands  near  table  looking  at  seated  guests. 

Tableau  :  Curtains  open  and  disclose  Repose  Tableau.  Curtains 
close;  open  again  and  disclose  Pantomime  Tableau:  Girls  sip 
tea  and  munch  cake.  Hostess  smiles  at  them  and  nods  as  if  in 
approval.  Pantomime  and  Recitation:  Hostess  recites  first 
three  lines  of  Stanza  IV.,  then  turns  to  welcome  incoming 
guests  and  recites  next  line.  Incoming  guests  move  to  seats, 
then  hostess  nods  in  confidential  manner  and  recites  last  two 
lines.     Curtains  close. 


152  WERNER'S  READINGS 

STANZA  IV. 

Thursday  should  be  our  visiting-day; 
First  we  work,  and  then  we  play. 
The  cake  is  rich,  the  tea  is  strong! 
Welcome,  dear  friends,  pray  come  along. 

[Confidentially.  ] 

We  women  like  a  little  chat, 
Why  should  we  be  ashamed  of  that? 

TABLEAU  V. 

Friday. — Sweeping-Day. 

Characters  :     One  small  girl. 

Costume:  Plain  calico  dress,  gingham  apron,  dusting-cap  on 
head. . 

Stage  :  All  doll's  furniture  covered  very  carefully.  Girl's  chair 
turned  upside  down  on  table.  Rugs  rolled  up  and  put  on 
table.  Girl  stands  with  broom  in  hand  as  though  about  to 
sweep. 

Tableau  :  Curtains  open  and  disclose  Repose  Tableau.  Curtains 
close;  open  again  and  disclose  Pantomime  Tableau:  Girl 
sweeps,  fixes  rugs  on  table,  picks  up  pin  and  puts  it  in  dress, 
then  sweeps  again.  Pantomime  and  Recitation :  Reciter, 
when  reaching  "and  feather-brush  gay,"  etc.,  picks  up  duster 
and  begins  to  dust.  Continues  dusting  and  arranging  things 
until  "But  there !"  After  reciting  these  words,  stops  and, 
facing  audience,  finishes  stanza.     Curtains  close. 

STANZA  V. 

Friday  is  always  sweeping-day. 

With  broom  so  handy,  and  feather-brush  gay, 

I  wage  a  war  against  dirt  and  dust, 

And  have  more  to  do  than  is  quite  just. 

But  there !     I  don't  intend  to  strike, 

For  a  tidy  house  is  a  thing  I  like. 

TABLEAU  VI. 

Saturday. — Scrubbing  and  Baking-Day. 

Characters  :    Two  small  girls. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  153 

Costumes  :  Girl  at  table,  white  baker's  cap,  white  dress,  sleeves 
up,  gingham  apron  with  bib.  Girl  on  floor  has  old  soiled 
gingham  dress  and  her  clothes  are  fixed  in  ridiculous  manner. 

Stage:  Table  at  stage  center.  On  table  molding-board,  pan  with 
flour,  and  glass  of  milk.  On  chair  left  of  table  bag  of  flour. 
Dolls  sit  in  front  of  table  leaning  against  its  legs.  One  girl 
stands  behind  table  facing  audience  and  holds  rolling-pin. 
Another  girl  kneels  on  floor  beside  pail  of  water  and  near 
stage  front  holding  scrub-brush. 

Tableau  :  Curtains  open  and  disclose  Repose  Tableau.  Curtains 
close;  open  again  and  disclose  Pantomime  Tableau:  Girl  at 
table  rolls  out  dough  and  pats  it;  girl  on  floor  soaps  brush, 
dips  it  into  water  and  scrubs ;  moves  along  and  does  it  again, 
etc.  Pantomime  and  Recitation:  Girl  at  table  recites  Stanza 
VI.  as  she  works  (looking  first  at  audience,  then  at  scrubber, 
then  at  dough).     Curtains  close: 

STANZA  VI. 
Saturday's  scrubbing  and  baking-day. 
Before  my  work  aside  I  lay, 

There  are  stockings  to  darn  and  bread  to  be  made, 
And  the  tradesmen's  bills,  of  course,  must  be  paid; 
But  by  evening  all  my  work  is  done, 
And  I  feel  as  if  Sunday's  rest  had  begun. 

TABLEAU  VII. 
Sunday. — Resting-Day. 

Characters:     Small  girl  and  three  dolls. 

Costume  :  Girl  in  fancy  white  dress,  fancy  hat,  gay  parasol  in  her 
hand.     Dolls  in  best  dresses. 

Stage  :  Girl  stands  at  stage  center  looking  at  largest  doll  which 
lies  in  hammock.  One  doll  is  in  cradle  to  left  of  hammock 
and  other  is  on  chair  to  her  right.  Near  this  doll  is  girl's 
rocking-chair. 

Tableau  :  Curtains  open  and  disclose  Repose  Tableau.  Curtains 
close ;  open  again  and  disclose  Pantomime  Tableau :  Girl 
swings  hammock,  takes  out  doll,  hugs  and  kisses  it,  puts  it 
back  and  smoothes  dress,  then  walks  to  each  doll  in  turn  and 
looks  at  it,  then,  facing  audience,  recites  Stanza  VII.  Cur- 
tains close. 


154  WERNER'S  READINGS 

STANZA  VII. 
The  day  we  offer  Him  all  our  best. 
For  church  quite  early  we  must  rise, 
For  time  on  Sunday  quickly  flies. 
To  worship  Him  to  church  we  go, 
Thankful  for  all  He  doth  bestow. 
TABLEAU  VIII. 
Finale. 

Characters:    All  little  girls  of  all  tableaux. 

Costumes  :  Same  as  worn  in  last  Tableau  in  which  each  girl 
posed. 

Stage:  Chairs,  tables,  dolls,  hammock,  trunks,  wash-tub,  wash- 
board, etc.  Girls  stand  near  them  or  sit  on  chairs  with  dolls 
on  laps. 

Tableau  :  Curtains  open  and  disclose  Repose  Tableau.  Curtains 
close ;  open  again  and  disclose  girls  prettily  grouped  near 
front  of  stage  holding  dolls,  parasols,  etc.  After  moment's 
pause  all  recite  in  concert  Stanza  VIII.    Curtains  close. 

STANZA  VIII. 
Thus  with  work  for  every  day, 
The  weeks  so  quickly  pass  away 
That  soon  a  whole  long  year  is  gone, 
And  yet  our  work  is  never  done. 
But  while  we've  health  and  strength  to  work, 
•  We  will  not  any  task  desert, 

For  idle  hands  in  mischief  get, 
And  idle  minds  can  only  fret. 


Mary.  Let  us  play  house.  I'll  dress  Tabby  up  for  a  doll  and 
you  can  dress  my  Topsy  for  your  doll. 

Lulu.  Dress  Topsy  for  my  doll?  I'd  like  to  see  myself  do 
it.  Nasty  cats,  they  always  scratch  and  yowl.  Give  me  a  dog  for 
a  pet.     You  can  always  have  more  fun  with  them. 

Mary.  What  if  cats  do  scratch,  it  isn't  as  bad  as  a  dog  bite. 
No  dog  for  me  ever  since  our  Joey  was  bitten.  A  cat  scratch  is 
over  in  a  few  days,  but  a  dog  bite  lasts  forever. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50. 
NATIONS'  CHRISTMAS  MEETING. 


155 


W1 


Decorations  :    Decorate  with  evergreen,  holly  and  mistletoe. 
Characters  :     Seven  children,  of  different  countries  represented. 

[European  children  enter  one  door  as  American  child 
enters  by  opposite  door.] 

All  Together. 

E  are  little  children 

Who  have  come  across  the  sea. 
American.     I  give  you  hearty  welcome, 

Christmas  time,  come  keep  with  me. 
Russian.        I  am  Ivan  from  far-off  Russia. 
German.        I  am  Gretchen  from  Germany. 
English  Child.     I  am  an  English  lassie. 
Norwegian.  I,  a  Norwegian  bold. 
Italian.         Sunny  Italy  claims  me. 
Dutch  Child.     A  Dutchman  in  me  behold. 


[American  steps  forward  and  holds  out  both  hands.] 


American. 


Russian. 


I'm  from  the  bravest  nation 

Under  the  golden  sun; 
Sisters  and  brothers,  America 

Welcomes  you  every  one. 
Welcomes  you  here,  for  Christmas, 

Knows  nothing  of  creeds  or  laws; 
And  children  are  bound  together 

By  faith  in  old  Santa  Claus. 
I  know  that  whatever  your  nation, 

The  Christ-child  comes  unto  you; 
So,  tell  me,  in  your  own  countries 

At  Christmas  what  do  you  do? 

In  Russia,  when  snows  are  falling, 
Covering  the  brown  earth  o'er, 


156  WERNER'S  READINGS 

On  the  eve  of  merry  Christmas 
Babouscka  comes  to  each  door. 

Naught  cares  she  for  coming  darkness, 
For  winds  that  blow  fierce  and  wild; 

Her  basket  is  heaped  with  presents, 
Something  for  every  child. 


German. 


When  Christmas  bells  are  ringing 

In  Germany  you'll  see, 
Laden  with  toys  and  sweetmeats, 

A  beautiful  Christmas-tree. 
Its  boughs  with  presents  bending, 

Something  for  every  one; 
While  the  Christ-child  o'er  it  watches, 

To  see  the  children's  fun. 


All. 


But,  oh,  dear !  dear !  for  children 

'Tis  very,  very  sad ! 
Knecht  Rupert  comes  rod  bringing 

For  naughty  lass  or  lad ! 
English  Child. 

From  my  home  in  "Merrie  England" 

I  have  come,  and  where  I  go 
I  always  bring,  at  Christmas, 

The  holly  and  mistletoe. 
All  over  my  happy  nation 

The  bells  are  ringing  so  sweet; 
And  children  are  carols  singing 

In  every  crowded  street. 
The  mothers  are  making  ready 

All  of  their  Christmas  cheer, 
While  at  night  the  children  will  listen 

For  Santa  and  his  reindeer. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  157 

Norwegian. 

From  the  land  of  Thor  and  Odin 

I  bring"  my  offering; 
There  to  me  the  finest  presents 

The  good  "Kristine"  will  bring. 
And  there,  on  Christmas  morning, 

You  may  see  a  sheaf  of  wheat 
High  on  each  roof  or  gable, 

For  the  little  birds  to  eat. 
Dutch  Child. 

I'm  from  queer  old  Holland, 

My  land  belongs  to  the  sea ; 
But  at  Christmas  time  St.  Nicholas 

Brings  many  a  gift  to  me. 
My  wooden  shoes  together 

I  put  when  day  is  done, 
And,  riding  by,  St.  Nicholas 

Drops  something  in  each  one. 
Italian  Child. 

Where  purple  grapes  are  ripening, 

And  summer  lingers  late, 
My  Christmas  gifts  are  hidden 

Within  the  "Urn  of  Fate." 
As  soon  as  lamps  are  lighted, 

Each  one  on  bended  knees, 
From  out  an  urn-shaped  vessel 

Takes  what  Fate  then  decrees. 


SMALLNESS  OF  SOME  PEOPLE. 


Grace.    What  are  you  waiting  around  for,  Nellie? 
Nellie.    I  thought  maybe  you  might  give  me  a  few  grapes. 
Grace.     I  want  all  the  grapes  myself,  but  I'll  tell  you  what  I'll 
do — I'll  save  the  skins  for  you ! 


I 
158  WERNER'S  READINGS 

GRAMMAR  AS  TAUGHT  IN  FAIRYLAND. 


MARGARET    MORRISON. 


M' 


Characters:      Little  Girl,  at  study. 
Fairy  Godmother. 

Parts  of  Speech,  represented  by  nine  little  girls. 
Conjugation,  represented  by  four  larger  girls. 
Little  Girl. 

Y  brain's  in  a  muddle, 

It's  grammar's  the  trouble, 
My  lesson  I  never  shall  know. 
What's  the  use  of  it  all ! 
Oh !  I  wish  I  were  tall. 

Oh  !  why,  oh  !  why  can't  I  grow? 
Papa  says,  "Don't  hammer !" 
But  our  teacher  of  grammar, 

Is  just  a  bit  of  a  crank. 
She  says,  "Your  inflections 
Need  endless  corrections, 
Just  prepare  a  study  blank." 

Oh !  this  grammar !  I  must  learn  the  parts  of  speech  with  their 
definitions  for  to-morrow.  A  noun  is  the  name  of  any  person, 
place  or  thing  that  can  be  known  or  mentioned.  A  noun — I  won- 
der if  that's  Aunt  Mary  talking  to  mamma?  I  hope  she  brought 
Ethel  with  her.  Oh !  this  hateful  old  grammar — a  noun  is  the 
name  of  any — there  is  Teddy— he'll  bother  me,  so  I  won't  be 
able  to  study — a  noun  is  the  name  of  any  person,  place — I  won- 
der if  that  is  Buster?  I'm  sure  it's  his  bark.  I  must  see — why  it 
is  Buster;  he  is  chasing  Tommy  Brown's  big  dog.  Go  it,  Bus- 
ter! Go  it!  Oh!  I  know  he'll  wjn.  Run,  Buster!  Run!— 
oh !  this  hateful  old  grammar,  I  can't  learn  it ;  I'm  tired  of  trying. 
[Cries  and  falls  asleep.~\ 

[Enter  Fairy  Godmother.] 

Fairy  Godmother.    Ah!    Whom  have  we  here?    Poor  child, 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  159 

she  is  worn  out  with  study  and  has  fallen  asleep.  Never  mind, 
little  one,  it  will  soon  be  over.  What,  crying !  Now  tell  me  what 
it  all  is  about. 

Little  Girl. 

My  brain's  in  a  muddle, 
It's  grammar's  the  trouble, 

My  lesson  I  really  must  learn. 
If  there's  one  thing  I  hate, 
It's  a  verb  to  conjugate. 

Oh !  I  don't  know  which  way  to  turn./ 

Fairy  Godmother.  Grammar !  Why,  it  is  just  the  same  in 
Fairyland.  Give  the  little  school-elves  some  good  hard  work  to 
do — in  nature  study,  for  instance — go  out  into  the  woods  and 
collect  one  hundred  spider-legs.  They  are  off  with  a  shout  and 
back  in  a  jiffy,  and  will  prepare  them  in  the  culinary  department 
into  a  most  savory  stew,  fit  to  set  before  our  Queen,  and  garnished 
with  krinkled  petals  colored  to  suit  any  complexion.  And  when 
on  Mardi  Gras  it  was  suggested  that  the  school  fairies  should  paint 
the  town  red,  it  was  all  I  could  do  to  keep  them  from  taking  every 
bit  of  vermilion  in  the  supply  closet — and  vermilion  is  so  expen- 
sive !  But  mention  arithmetic  or  grammar,  and  the  smiles  vanish 
and  the  clouds  appear.  The  Parts  of  Speech  are  the  trouble.  Well, 
I  must  help  you.     [Taps  three  times  and  recites.'] 

Come,  Parts  of  Speech, 

Step  from  this  book; 
Let  this  little  girl  here, 

At  you  have  a  look. 

[Enter  Parts  of  Speech.] 

Parts  of  Speech. 

We're  the  Parts  of  Speech, 

And  we're  quite  within  your  reach. 

Now  grasp  us,  grasp  us  while  you  may. 


160  WERNER'S  READINGS 

Noun. 

I'm  any  one's  name, 
As  Mary,  Katie  or  Jane ; 

Or,  the  name  of  some  place  on  your  map. 
I'm  a  book  or  a  slate, 
A  peach  or  a  date, 

Or  just  your  father's  old  hat. 
Pronoun. 

I'm  a  dear  little  word, 

Of  the  first,  second  or  third, 

And  her  place  I  always  can  fill 
When  she  takes  a  vacation. 
She  calls  me  her  relation — 

And  I  easily  fill  in  the  bill. 
Adjective. 

I  make  her  look  pretty, 
I  sing  a  sweet  ditty, 

I  always  accompany  the  noun. 
To  put  me  with  a  verb, 
Is  simply  absurd, 

Enough  to  make  all  of  us  frown. 


Verb. 


Adverb. 


I  laugh  and  I  dance, 
I  sing  and  I  prance, 

I  act  in  most  any  way. 
I'm  be,  am  or  is, 
E'en  in  being  there's  bliss, 

Always  acting  would  hardly  pay. 

I  say,  she  sings  sweetly, 
Or  acts  most  discreetly, 

Or  laughs  in  a  ladylike  way. 
I  say  where  she  hid  it, 
Or  just  when  she  did  it; 

Or  how  it  all  happened  that  way. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  SO.  161 

Preposition. 

I  have  funny,,  little  wfoys, 
I'm  in  with  the  phrase, 

I'm  never  allowed  out  alone. 
I  catch  hold  of  the  verb. 
As  a  bridge  I  do  serve, 
Or  even  a  short  telephone. 
Conjunction. 

And,  but,  or,  or  nor, 
We  serve  as  a  door, 

And  often  indicate  pauses. 
Treat  us  with  respect, 
We  have  learned  etiquette, 
We  often  introduce  clauses. 
Interjection. 

Oh  !  this  is  a  treat ! 

Ah !  are  they  not  sweet  ? 

I  express  almost  any  emotion. 
I  cry  out  at  the  train, 
I  scream  when  in  pain, 

Or  when  I  have  earned  a  promotion. 
Participle  [running  in  breathless].    They  never  told  me  they 
were  coming.     Some  say  I'm  no  real  part  of  speech,  but  just  part 
of  the  verb ;  but  sometimes  I  act  as  a  noun  and  sometimes  as  an 
adjective.    That's  more  than  they  can  do. 

Fairy  Godmother  [taps  three  times].     Back,  back,  within  the 
covers  of  your  book ! 

[Exit  Parts  of  Speech.] 
Little  Girl. 

Oh !  dear  fairy  mother,  do  not  leave  me  to  my  fate, 
For  I  can't,  no  I  can't  conjugate. 
Fairy  Godmother  [takes  book].    Conjugation!    Let  me  see — 
the  present  indefinite  and  present  perfect  of  the  verb   on  page 
159 — .     Well,  I  am  glad  it  is  the  verb  "to  love,"  for  every  one 
loves   every   one   in   Fairyland.      [Taps   three   times.] 


\62 
Youth. 

Father. 

Maiden. 

Youth. 


WERNER'S  READINGS 
[Enter  Youth,  Maiden,  Father,  Mother.] 

"I  love,"  said  the  youth, 
As  he  gazed  at  the  roof; 

And  I  hope  you  will  not  say  me  "Nay." 

"Thou  lov'st,"  roared  the  father, 
Put  an  end  to  this  pother, 

And  come  no  more  in  my  way. 

"He  loves,"  sighed  the  maiden, 
My  heart's  heavy  laden — 

Without  him  I  surely  shall  cry. 


"She  loves,"  cried  the  youth, 
Her  tears  are  the  proof, 

Without  her  I  surely  shall  die. 
Youth  and  Maiden. 

We  love — we  implore, 
Now  here  on  the  floor, 

Your  blessing  we  earnestly  crave. 


Father. 

Mother. 

■ 
Father. 

Mother. 


You  lovve — foolish  pair, 
Go  sit  on  yon  chair, 

And  learn,  yes,  learn  to  behave. 

"They  love,"  begged  the  mother, 
Now,  be  not  cruel,  father, 

Just  remember  your  own  young  days. 


"I  have  loved,"  said  the  father. 


"Thou  hast  loved,"  said  the  mother, 
He  has  loved  me  this  many  a  year. 
Father  and  Mother. 

"We  have  loved,"  said  the  both. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  163 

Youth  and  Maiden. 

You  have  loved,  it's  the  truth. 

They  have  loved,  we  have  nothing-  to  fear. 

I  love — thou  lov'st — he  loves — she  loves — 

We  love. 
Father  and  Mother. 

You  love?    They  both  love. 
All. 

It's  all  in  the  present. 
Father  and  Mother. 

I  have  loved,  thou  hast  loved,  he  has  loved — 

She  has  loved,  we  have  loved. 
Youth  and  Maiden. 

You  have  loved !    They  have  both  loved. 
All. 

It's  all  in  the  perfect. 

[Fairy  Godmother  taps  three  times.     All  but  Little 
Girl  exit.] 

Little  Girl  [waking] .  Oh !  what  a  funny  dream  I  had.  I 
dreamed  the  fairies  came  and  taught  me  my  lesson.  Let  me  see 
if  I  really  know  it — I  love — thou  lov'st — he  loves — she  loves — we 
love — you  love — they  both  love.  It's  all  in  the  present.  I  have 
loved — thou  hast  loved — he  has  loved — she  has  loved — we  have 
loved — you  have  loved — they  have  both  loved.  It's  all  in  the 
perfect. 


JULY  FOURTH. 


First  Girl.     Hurrah  for  our  Fourth,  our  glorious  Fourth ! 

Let  all  the  bells  ring,  and  the  cannon  roar. 
Second  Girl.  'Tis  Liberty's  birthday — up  with  the  flag ! 

Let  it  float  from  mountain  to  shore. 
Third  Girl.  We'll  stand  by  that  flag,  and  in  peace  or  war 

On  our  help  you  can  safely  rely. 
Fourth  Girl.  Oft  on  the  battlefields,  e'en  at  the  guns, 

Have  Columbia's  daughters  been  found. 
[All  stand  at  sahite  to  flag.] 


164  WERNER'S  READINGS 

SCHOOL  OF  OUR  LORD. 


Class  Exercise  Suitable  for  Children's  Day. 


BYRON   H.   CORNISH. 

NOTE. — Order  of  subjects  Is  not  arbitrary,  but  may  be  changed  to  suit  occa- 
sion. Any  subjects  may  be  omitted.  Large  banner  for  class  should  be  inscribed 
"The  School  of  Our  Lord,"  and  hung  above  class;  while  each  member  has  small 
banner    (or  shield,    scarf   or   book)    bearing   name    of   branch    represented   by   pupil. 

All. 

IN  the  School  of  Our  Lord,  our  Teacher,  all  wise, 
Doth  unto  us  all  knowledge  deliver, 
Which  we  need  for  our  dwelling  beyond  the  skies, 
With  Him  and  the  angels  forever  and  ever. 

Reading. 
First  Pupil. 

He  who  opened  the  ears  of  the  deaf  to  hear, 

And  gave  sight  to  the  darkened  eyes, 
Teaches  us  to  "read  our  title  clear 
To  mansions  in  the  skies." 
Second  Pupil. 

In  His  two  great  books,  the  Bible  dear 

And  nature's  great  wonderland, 
We  are  taught  to  read  of  His  matchless  love, 
That  His  will  we  may  understand. 

Writing. 
Third  Pupil. 

How  to  write  our  names  on  the  hearts  of  men— « 

This  we  likewise  learn  to  do 
In  deeds  and  words,  be  they  great  or  small 
Does  not  matter,  if  they  be  true. 

Language. 
Fourth  Pupil. 

The  language  of  heaven  of  Him  we  learn; 

'Tis  within  the  infant's  reach. 
How  quickly  our  transformed  minds  discern 
The  beauties  of  His  purer  speech ! 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  165 

Singing. 
Fifth  Pupil. 

The  song  of  the  ransomed — the  sweet  song, 

Which  the  worldling  can  never  sing — 
We  learn  while  here;  but  with  heaven's  throng 
We'll  make  those  spacious  arches  ring. 

Geography. 
Sixth  Pupil. 

He  tells  of  a  city  and  country  to  come, 
Whose  landscapes  rare  beauty  display; 
A  clime,  health-preserving,  through  which  we  may  roam, 
In  a  kingdom  of  unending  day. 

History. 
Seventh  Pupil. 

The  story  we  learn  of  man's  high  estate; 

Which  satan,  invading,  gained; 
But  Jesus,  God's  cause  did  reinstate,    ' 
And,  as  rightful  Ruler,  reigned. 

Government. 
Eighth  Pupil. 

"Upon  His  shoulders  the  government," 

A  perfect  law  is  given; 
If  we  serve  Him  well  in  our  present  sphere, 
We  shall  reign  with  Him  in  heaven. 

Health. 
Ninth  Pupil. 

For  the  health  of  the  soul  His  teachings  are  good, 

He  instructs  us  how  to  secure 
Our  portions  of  atmosphere,  exercise,  food — 
Soul-nourishing,  wholesome  and  pure. 

Economics. 
Tenth  Pupil. 

If  we  measure  our  work  to  the  wants  of  men, 

By  the  gauge  of  Christian  love, 
We  shall  gain  that  wealth  which  abideth  when 
We  shall  dwell  in  the  realms  above. 


166  WERNER'S  READINGS 

Philosophy. 
Eleventh  Pupil. 

All  things  that  exist  in  the  spirit  world, 

As  well  as  in  nature's  realm, 
Are  governed  by  law,  just,  true  and  good, 
With  the  Master  at  the  helm. 

Geometry. 
Twelfth  Pupil. 

That  we  shape  our  lives  like  the  Master's,  true- 
He  teaches  this  holy  aim : 
"Whatsoe'er  ye  would  that  men  do  unto  you, 
Do  ye  likewise  unto  them." 

Arithmetic. 
Thirteenth  Pupil. 

How  much  shall  it  profit  the  world  to  gain 

If  the  soul  be  forever  lost? 
For  moments  of  mirth  to  give  ages  of  pain 
Is  paying  a  fearful  cost. 
Fourteenth  Pupil. 

And  if  each  disciple  should,  in  each  year, 

One  soul  to  the  Saviour  bring, 
How  long  would  it  be  ere  the  whole  wide  world 
Would  acknowledge  the  Christ  as  King? 
All. 

How  delightful  with  Jesus,  our  Teacher, 

To  explore  true  wisdom's  fields, 
And  discover  each  day  some  new  feature, 
Which  her  infinite  treasury  yields ! 


PALM  DRILL. 


Drill  or  Dance  for  Nine  Girls. 


STANLEY  SCHELL. 


Music  :    Any  dreamy  music.    Schumann's  "Slumber  Song"  (35c.) 
may  be  used. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  \Q 

Costumes:     White  Greek  gowns.     Each  girl  carries  large  palm 

leaf. 
Stage-setting  :    Garden  scene :  Use  moss  for  stage-floor  or  green 

crash.     Place  palm  plants  about  stage.     Also  pots  of  spring 

flowers. 

GIRLS  trip  in  gaily  from  all  sides  of  stage;  wave  palm 
branches  in  time  with  music;  circle  in  and  out  around 
palms  and  flowers,  finally  coming  out  in  front,  facing  audience  in 
form  of  angle  (see  Diagram  I.). 


Diagram  I. 

1.  Wave  palms  back  and  toward  No.  9,  then  forward  toward 
stage  front  corner.     (Four  times.) 

2.  All  revolve  on  spot  where  standing,  waving  palms.  (Four 
times.)  Wave  palms  R.  (Four  times.)  Wave  palms  L.  (Four 
times.)  All  revolve  on  spot  where  standing,  waving  palms.  (Four 
times.) 

3.  All  wave  palms  right,  then  wave  palms  left,  and  so  on.  Mean- 
while No.  5  whirls  on  spot  where  she  is  standing  and  then  winds 
around  No.  6  by  way  of  inside  of  angle,  around  No.  7  by  way  of 
outside  of  angle,  then  around  No.  8  by  way  of  inside  of  angle, 
then  takes  position  just  back  of  and  to  R.  of  No.  9  but  close  to 
No.  9.  Meanwhile  No.  1  has  whirled  around  on  spot  where  she 
is  standing  and  then  winds  around  No.  2  by  way  of  inside  of  angle, 
around  No.  3  by  way  of  outside  of  angle,  around  No.  4  by  way  of 
inside  of  angle  and  then  takes  position  just  back  of  and  to  the 
L.  of  No.  9  but  close  to  No.  9.  Nos.  5,  9,  1,  hold  palm  branches 
out  in  front  of  them.  Meanwhile  sides  of  angle  have  been  widened 
by  girls  forming  part  of  angle,  leaving  wider  space  at  back  cen- 
ter for  group  there.  No.  6  and  No.  2  now  do  exactly  what  No.  5 
and  No.  1  did  in  order  to  place  themselves  beside  No.  9.    No.  7 


168  WERNER'S  READINGS 

and  No.  3  then  do  the  same.  No.  8  and  No.  4  do  the  same.  Mean- 
while No.  9  and  others  on  each  side  of  No.  9  keep  gradually  mov- 
ing forward  as  shown  in  Diagram  II.,  until  angle  is  complete  as 
shown  in  Diagram  II. 


Diagram  II. 

4.  All  revolve  on  spot  where  they  are  standing  and  wave  palms. 
(Four  times.) 

5.  All  wave  palms  forward  toward  No.  9,  then  backward  to- 
ward back  corners  of  stage. 

6.  Palms  are  to  be  waved  out  R.  and  L.  alternately.  Mean- 
while No.  8  and  No.  4  glide  out  gradually  to  R.  and  L.  sides  of 
stage;  No.  7  and  No.  3  do  likewise,  stopping  within  two  feet  of 
No.  8  or  No.  4  respectively;  No.  6  and  No.  2  do  the  same;  No.  5 
and  No.  1  do  the  same.  Meanwhile  all,  excepting  No.  8  and  No.  4, 
are  slowly  and  imperceptibly  stepping  backward  until  they  are  on 
line  with  No.  8  and  No.  4.  When  all  have  finished  moving,  they 
are  formed  in  one  long  line  across  stage  facing  audience. 

7.  Every  other  girl  waves  palm  out  front.  Every  other 
girl  waves  palm  back.     (Four  times.) 

8.  All  whirl  on  spot  where  standing,  waving  palm  branches, 
then  glide  around  stage  in  circle,  waving  palm  branches  and  back 
to  place. 

,,    9.     All  whirl  on  spot  where  standing,  waving  palm  branches, 
then  glide  around  stage  in  circle  form  by  opposite  way. 

10.  All  glide  gradually  in  toward  center,  waving  palm  branches 
until  all  are  bunched  at  stage  center,  then  all  hold  palm  branches 
vertical  in  outside  hands.     Tableau  with  colored  light. 

11.  All  put  tops  of  palm  branches  together  and  then  keeping 
them  there  push  bodies  out  from  stage  center.  All  look  up  at 
palm  branches.     Tableau  with  colored  light. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50. 


169 


12.  Each  in  turn  whirls  around  inside  and  under  arch  of  palm 
branches  and  back  into  place. 

13.  Front  two  in  bunch  separate  from  rest  of  girls,  and,  plac- 
ing- palm  branches  together,  glide  to  stage  front  followed  by  each 
other  two  in  couples  doing  the  same. 

14.  No.  9  glides  forward  and  beneath  arch  of  palm  branches 
to  front  center  and  kneels.  Holds  her  palm  branch  across  her 
knees.  All  other  girls  hold  palm  branches  forward  and  over  No. 
9;  couples  behind  first  couple  having  separated  and  moved  to  posi- 
tions to  R.  or  L.  of  first  couple,  all  forming  semicircle  of  palm 
branches  over  kneeling  No.  9.    Tableau  with  colored  light. 

15.  Center  girls  put  tops  of  palm  branches  together  and  sep- 
arate slightly  to  R.  and  L.  Girls  each  side  of  center  girls  kneel 
and  hold  palm  branches  out  front.    Tableau  with  colored  light. 

16.  All  rise,  and  with  waving  palms  make  complete  circle  of 
stage,  waving  palms  lightly  from  R.  to  L.  as  they  glide  around. 
Then  all  glide  into  position  indicated  in  Diagram  III.  When  all 
are  thus  placed,  palm  branches  are  placed  before  faces  or  across 
chests  in  such  fashion  as  to  form  complete  cross  of  palm  branches. 
Nos.  3,  8  and  2  drop  slightly,  each  little  lower  than  the  other.  Tab- 
leau with  colored  light. 


Diagram  III. 
17.    All  separate  and  glide  about  stage  joyously,  and  after  mak- 
ing complete  circle  glide  again  in  form  of  figure  8  as  shown  in 
Diagram  IV. 


170  WERNER'S  READINGS 


Diagram  IV. 

18.  After  figure  8  has  been  formed,  No.  1  leads  the  others 
around  stage,  then  into  spiral  form  about  stage  center,  they  then 
unwinding  from  spiral  and  forming  one  long  line  facing  audience. 

19.  Every  other  girl  steps  backward  from  line,  waving  palm 
branches  forward  and  making  deep  obeisance.  Then  the  others  on 
line  make  deep  obeisance,  waving  palm  branches.  Then  first  set 
that  stepped  backward  does  the  same  again,  then  second  set  steps 
backward  and  does  same.  Each  time  set  steps  backward  girls 
wave  palm  branches  forward  and  make  deep  obeisance.  Each 
group  in  turn  does  same  thing  until  stage  back  is  reached. 

20.  All  suddenly  whirl  R.  then  L.,  wave  palms,  then  move  to- 
ward exit,  waving  palms.    Exit. 


THANKSGIVING  DAY  DINNER. 


Exercise  for  Eleven  Little  Girls. 


ELLA  M.  JOHNSTON. 


[Each  girl  carries  small  dish  containing  article  described  in  her  lines.] 

Soup. 
First  Girl. 

THIS  is  the  soup  that  was  made  one  morn 
(From  the  cow  you've  heard  had  the  "crumpled  horn")  ; 
'Twas  prepared  for  Thanksgiving  dinner. 

Turkey. 
Second  Girl. 

This  is  the  turkey,  juicy  and  brown, 
He  lived  near  the  cow,  a  long  way  from  town; 
He's  roasted  for  Thanksgiving  dinner. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  171 

Potatoes. 
Third  Girl. 

These  are  potatoes  that  grew  at  the  place 
Where  the  turkey  strutted  with  stately  grace; 
They're  mashed  for  Thanksgiving  dinner. 

Corn. 
Fourth  Girl. 

This  is  the  corn,  so  tender  and  sweet, 
On  the  farm,  the  potato,  and  cornfields  meet. 
It's  boiled  for  Thanksgiving  dinner. 

Bread. 
Fifth  Girl. 

This  is  the  bread  made  from  flour  so  clean, 
Ground  from  wheat ;  in  the  fields  near  the  corn  it  is  seen, 
It  was  baked  for  Thanksgiving  dinner. 

Pie. 
Sixth  Girl. 

This  is  the  golden,  spicy  sweet  pie; 
It  was  made  from  the  pumpkins  growing  close  by; 
It's  dessert  for  Thanksgiving  dinner. 

Cake. 
Seventh  Girl. 

This  is  the  cake  made  with  eggs  newly  laid 
By  the  hen  who  safe  in  the  barn-yard  stayed; 
It  was  mixed  for  Thanksgiving  dinner. 

Ice-Cream. 
Eighth  Girl. 

This  is  the  cream  which  gentle-eyed  Fan 
Gave  to  make  fine  ice-cream  flavored  sweet :  in  the  can 
It  was  frozen  for  Thanksgiving  dinner. 

Apples. 
Ninth  Girl. 

These  are  the  apples,  rosy  and  fair; 
They  grew  in  the  orchard,  don't  you  know  where? 
They  are  polished  for  Thanksgiving  dinner. 


172  WERNER'S  READINGS 

Nuts. 
Tenth  Girl. 

These  are  the  nuts;  they  were  ripe  just  this  fall. 
From  the  tree  in  the  woods  growing  strong,  straight,  and  tall. 
They  were  gathered  for  Thanksgiving  dinner. 

Candy. 
Eleventh  Girl. 

This  is  the  candy,  'twas  made  from  the  sap 
Of  the  maple,  that's  growing  just  there  in  the  "gap" ; 
It  was  sugared  for  Thanksgiving  dinner. 
All. 

We'll  thank  farmer  and  all  who,  with  work  and  skill, 
All  the  sweet  summer  long  with  hearty  good-will 

Were  preparing  our  Thanksgiving  dinner. 
We've  been  talking  so  long,  our  whole  story's  told; 
If  we  don't  hurry  now,  everything  will  be  cold. 

Won't  you  come,  please,  to  Thanksgiving  dinner? 

[As  all  march  off,  led  by  First  Girl,  music  is  played  behind 
scenes,  children  humming  as  they  go.] 


MAY-BASKET  TIME. 


Exercise  fof  Five  Small  Girls,  or  One  May-Basket  Girl 
and  Groups  of  Flower-Maidens. 


STANLEY  SCHELL. 


Costumes  :  Ordinary ;  or,  one  girl  wears  white  and  carries  May 
Basket ;  others  wear  costumes  impersonating  different  flowers 
they  present  for  the  May  Basket  and  carry  flowers  and  large 
letters. 

Scene:  At  rise  of  curtain,  May-Basket  Girl,  in  white,  comes 
tripping  into  garden  (stage  set  with  potted  plants,  small 
shrubs,  etc.)  ;  and,  gazing  about  a  moment,  seems  surprised 
to  find  no  one  there.  Suddenly  laughing  is  heard,  and  in  come 
Flower  Maidens  from  different  parts  of  stage  and  take  posi- 
tions just  back  of  pots  of  flowers  they  impersonate.    In  their 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  173 

arms  are  blossoms  they  impersonate.  May-Basket  Girl 
smiles  at  each  in  turn.  Flower  Maidens  sway  forward  in 
response,  whirl  on  place,  dance  around  pots  of  flowers,  then 
trip  to  positions  around  May-Basket  Girl,  around  whom 
they  circle  joyously,  waving  flowers.  Circle  separates,  form- 
ing semicircle  at  sices  of  May-Basket  Girl,  looking  at  audi- 
ence. 

MAY-BASKET  GIRL   {smiling  at  both  sides  of  her,  holds 
out  May  Basket]. 

See  my  May  Basket,  so  dainty  and  sweet. 
What  shall  we  put  into  it  to  make  it  complete? 
Lily  or  Lilies  [stepping  forward  and  holding  out  lilies  and  large 
letter  "L"]. 

L  stands  for  Lilies  so  clean  and  pure, 
These  tell  of  Love,  for  May  Day,  constant  and  sure. 
Ox-Eyed  Daisy  or  Daisies  [stepping  forzvard  and  holding  out 
ox-eyed  daisies  and  larger  letter  "0"]. 

0  stands  for  Ox-eyes,  so  bright  and  so  gay, 
They  speak  for  Love,  on  this  bright  May  Day. 
Violet  or  Violets  [stepping  forward  and  holding  out  violets  and 
large  letter  "V"]. 

V  stands  for  Violet,  tender  and  sweet, 
They  tell  of  Love  of  May  Day,  each  time  we  meet. 
Eglantine  or  Eglantines   [stepping  forward  and  holding  out 
eglantines  and  large  letter  "E"\. 

E  stands  for  Eglantine,  fragrant  and  green, 

They  tell  of  Love  of  May  Day,  because  of  their  sheen. 

[When  last  flower  has  spoken,  Flower  Maidens,  who  all  stand 
in  semicircle  facing  May-Basket  Girl,  sway  toward  her,  making 
deep  obeisance,  then  trip  forward  and  place  flowers  they  hold  in 
various  parts  of  basket  so  that  result  is  pretty  combination  of  color. 
Flower  Maidens  trip  to  positions  back  of  May-Basket  Girl  and 
hold  up  four  letters,  spelling  "L  0  V  E."  Rest  of  girls  {if  there 
are  more)  group  themselves  about  each  letter  they  stand  for.  Hold 
as  Tableau.     Curtain .] 


174  WERNER'S  READINGS 

THREE  WONDERFUL  THINGS. 


Easter  Exercise  for  Three  Children. 


ELSIE  L.  DARLING. 


[To  be  recited  by  three  children,  first  holding  an  egg,  second  a 
cocoon,  third  a  bulb.     Fourth  stanza  is  to  be  recited  in  concert.] 


S] 


First  Child. 

lEE  what  the  good  hen  made, — 
An  egg,  all  newly  laid ! 
There's  life  inside  the  shell,  that  warmth  will  quicken. 
We'll  put  it  in  the  nest, 
'Neath  mother  hen's  soft  breast, 
And  soon  there'll  be  a  dear,  wee,  downy  chicken. 
Second  Child. 

Curled  up,  all  brown  and  old, 
A  curious  leaf  I  hold ; 
A  caterpillar  sleeps  in  furry  bed. 

In  spring  the  leaf  will  crack, 
And,  wings  upon  his  back, 
A  butterfly,  he'll  flutter  overhead ! 
Third  Child. 

This  ugly  bulb,  I  know, 
If  I  would  see  it  grow, 
Must  in  the  earth  be  hidden  from  the  light. 
Then  tiny  blades  of  green 
Upspringing  will  be  seen, 
Till  blooms  on  high  a  lily,  pure  and  white. 


All. 


Ah,  yes !  these  wonders  three 

Each  springtime  we  may  see. 
The  Father  sends  them  as  a  joyful  letter 

To  all  His  children  dear. 

Let's  open  eye  and  ear 
To  understand  the  sweet,  glad  tidings  better. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50. 
THE  ALPHABET. 


175 


Play  for  Twenty-six  Girls  and  Teacher. 


Fig.  1. 


Costumes  :  Thirteen  girls 
should  be  dressed  entirely  in  white 
and  thirteen  girls  in  red.  Teach- 
er is  costumed  as  shown  in  Fig- 
ure 1  and  carries  white  switch 
tied  with  red  ribbon.  (If  desired, 
thirteen  performers  may  be  boys, 
instead  of  girls.) 

Stage  :  Decorate  back  of  stage 
with  evergreens  and  palms ;  sides 
with  flags  or  large  flag  on  each 
side. 

Points  :  Teacher  should  be 
young  girl  yet  old  enough  to  lead 
and  direct  children.  Marches  in- 
troduced may  be  as  simple  or  as 
elaborate  as  desired.  Shields  are 
made  of  heavy  cardboard  after 
pattern  shown  in  Figure  2 ;  han- 
dles are  made  of  strips  of  tin  fas- 
tened in  middle  of  shield.  To  se- 
cure handle  in  place,  cut  with 
sharp  knife  two  horizontal  slits 
one  inch  Ions'  in  shield  near  cen- 


ter. These  slits  should  be  five 
inches  apart  and  one  directly 
above  the  other.  Then  cut  two 
more  slits  of  same  size,  one  two 
inches  above  top  slit  and  other 
two  inches  below  bottom  slit.  Pass 
one  end  of  tin  through  lower  top 
slit,  working  from  inside  of  shield, 
and  bend  end  up,  slipping  it  back 
through  upper  top  slit  as  if  tak- 
ing a  stitch;  then  fasten  end  by 
bending  it  up  close  to  inner  sur- 
face of  shield.  Care  should  be 
taken    not    to    tear    cardboard. 


176 


WERNER'S  READINGS 


Now  reverse  order  of  work, 
and,  passing  other  end  of  this 
tin  through  two  lower  slits  in 
shield,  fasten  it  down  by  bend- 
ing end.  Loop  of  handle  should 
be  sufficiently  large  to  allow 
child's  hand  to  slide  in  and 
grasp  it  easily.  If  tin  is  well 
wrapped  with  cotton  cloth, 
there  is  no  danger  of  getting 
cut  from  the  sharp  edges. 
Large  black  letters  are  either 
painted  on  shields  or  cut  from 
black  paper  or  cloth  and  pasted 
on.  These  letters  should  be 
simple  and  plain  in  design,  that 
they  may  be  instantly  recog- 
nized. All  shields  should  be  of 
one  size,  and  should  reach 
from  shoulder  to  knee  of  bear- 
er. Children  should  be  nearly 
of  same  height. 


Fig.  3 


[Enter  Teacher  and  Letters  from  right.  Letters  march  in 
single  tile  in  order  of  alphabet  (alternately  girl  in  white  and  girl  in 
red),  headed  by  Teacher,  who  keeps  time  with  switch.  After 
crossing  stage,  Teacher  leaves  procession  and  stands  at  left. 
Letters  turn,  march  back  to  right  behind  advancing  line,  turn 
again,  forming  reversed  "S,"  march  to  left,  then  around  front  of 
stage  to  right,  marching  in  circle  until  half  circle  is  formed  at 
back  of  stage,  zvhere  they  halt  and  remain  standing.  Figure  4 
shows  order  of  march.  As  Letters  enter  they  carry  shields  on 
left  arms;  as  they  turn  to  right  they  shift  them  to  right  arms, 
always  keeping  face  of  the  shield  toward  audience.  When  stand- 
ing shield  is  held  with  both  hands  directly  in  front  so  that  letters 
may  be  plainly  visible.'] 

Teacher.    Attention  !    Present  a  greeting  to  our  friends ! 
[Letters  "a  e  l  s  t  \j"  step  to  front  of  stage  and  stand  in  line.'] 
Teacher.     Well,  what  do  you  say? 
[Letters  change  places  and  form  zvord  "salute/'] 
Teacher.    Very  good.    Retire  to  your  places. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  177 

[Letters  step  back  in  line  of  alphabet.] 

Teacher.  We  all  know  the  alphabet  is  made  up  of  two  fam- 
ilies. The  name  of  one  family  is  Vowel,  and  the  name  of  the 
other  is  Consonant.     The  vowels  will  please  step  forward. 

[Letters  "a  e  i  o  u"  advance  to  front.] 

Teacher.  There  are  two  step-sisters  which  we  sometimes  call 
Vowels.     Where  are  they? 

[Letters  "vf"  and  Y  join  others.] 

Teacher.    That  will  do. 

[Vowels  return  to  places. .] 

Teacher.     Consonants  come  forward  ! 

[All  Letters  except  "a  e  i  o  u  w"  and  VJ  advance;  then  V 
and  "y"  join  consonants.] 


> 

<y  ,/-  '-•-, 

^ 

<y     /                   ) 

'i- 

o'       /         .- -' 

Y 

ti     I     /' 

vc 

<    i 

JN 

Fig.  4 

Teacher.    Very  well. 

[Letters  return  to  places.] 

Teacher.  We  will  now  have  our  spelling-class,  and  be  care- 
ful that  you  spell  correctly.    The  letters  for  "Cat"  step  forward. 

[Letters  "a  c  r"  run  to  front  and  stand,  spelling  "act/'] 

Teacher.     You  are  not  spelling  "Cat."    Try  again. 

[Letters  shift  position  to  form  "tac."] 

Teacher.  Dear  me !  You  haven't  got  it  right  yet.  I'm  sur- 
prised ! 


178  WERNER'S  READINGS 

[Letters  change,  forming  word  "cat/''] 

Teacher.    Right  at  last.    Now  spell  something  that  cats  love. 

[Letters  "n  i  p"  join  "c  a  r"  spelling  "catnip."] 

Teacher.    Can  you  spell  another  word  ? 

["c"  turns  back,  zvhile  others  stand  spelling  "paint.'"] 

Teacher.     Another. 

["p"  turns  back,  and  rest  spell  "antic."] 

Teacher.    Spell  one  more  word. 

["p"  remains  with  back  to  audience,  "i"  turns  away,  and  others 
spell  "cant/'  and  then  return  to  places  in  alphabet  line.] 

Teacher.    Are  you  ready  for  your  grammar? 

[Letters  yes  run  to  front,  spell  yes,  and  retire.'] 

Teacher.  Well,  then,  we  will  try  verbs.  Verbs  signify  action. 
Give  me  a  word  that  denotes  action. 

[Letters  remain  quiet.] 

Teacher.  I  will  illustrate.  Your  sister  runs.  What  does  that 
signify? 

[Letters  a  m  o  u  s  e  run  out,  spell  a  mouse,  and  return.] 

Teacher.  We  will  try  conjugating  the  verb  "to  be."  It  begins : 
I  am,  you  are — well  ? 

[Letters  tired  walk  shwly  forward,  spell  tired,  and  return 
to  places.] 
Teacher.    So  am  I ;  we  might  sit.    What  do  we  stand  for? 

[Here,  for  first  time,  Letters  speak.  "A"  steps  forward  two 
steps,  answers  immediately,  and  steps  backzvard  to  place.  Then 
"B"  does  same,  follozved  by  each  letter  of  alphabet  in  turn.] 

A  —  A  stands  for  Action,  and  that  means  to  run. 
B  —  B  stands  for  Baker  and  also  for  Bun. 
C  —  C  stands  for  Catnip,  the  best  of  all  tea. 
D  —  D  stands  for  Darling,  and  that  stands  for  me. 
E  —  E  stands  for  Emerald,  a  most  precious  stone. 
F  —  F  stands  for  Fun  and  my  own  Funny-bone. 
G  —  G  stands   for  Gold,  which  is  yellow  and  bright. 
H —  H  stands  for  Hope,  Heaven,  Holy  and  Height. 
I  —  I    stands  for  Ink,  which  is  not  a  good  toy. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  179 

J  —  J    stands  for  Jelly  and  Jumping  and  Joy. 
K  —  K  stands  for  Kitchen  with  a  dear  little  stove. 
L  —  L  stands  for  Laddie  and  Labor  and  Love. 
M — M  stands  for  Maiden  and  Merry  and  May. 
N — N  stands  for  Nonsense  and  Noddle  and  Neigh. 
O —  O  stands  for  Omelet  and  Only  and  Off. 
P  —  P  stands  for  Painter  and  Palace  and  Puff. 
Q —  Q  stands   for  Quaker  and  Quiet  and  Queer. 
R  —  R  stands  for  Rabbit  and  Racing  and  Rear. 
S  —  S   stands  for  Sampler  and  Sewing  and  Shears. 
T  —  T  stands  for  Taffy  and  Tardrops  and  Tears. 
U  —  U  stands  for  Upper  and  Under  and  Urn. 

V  —  V  stands  for  Vane,  which  the  winds  always  turn. 
W — W  stands  for  Winter,  snowy  and  white. 

X  —  X  stands  for  Xylite,  I  think  I  am  right. 

Y  —  Y  stands  for  Yes,  but  never  for  no. 

Z  —  Z  stands  for  Zero,  and  now  we  must  go. 

[March  music  strikes  up,  pianist  playing  "Marching  Through 
Georgia."  Teacher  leads  procession,  and  Letters  follow,  sing- 
ing following  words :] 

We  are  going  now  Alphabet  at  play, 
Holding  in  our  hands  all  that's  grave  or  gay; 
See  how  we  are  marching  all  the  letters  in  array, 
Marching  onward  to  Dreamland. 

Chorus. 
Speak  low,  speak  low,  we  sing  a  lullaby; 
Speak  low,  speak  low,  pray  children  do  not  cry, 

Though  we  now  must  leave  you  and  say  a  sweet — 

[Here  Letters  "g  o  q  d  b  y"  leave  ranks  and  stand  at  front 
of  stage.  D  places  hand  over  quirk  of  letter  q,  making  o,  and  they 
form  word  "good-by."    Curtain.] 


IF  DOLLS  WERE  REAL ! 


First  Girl.         If  dolls  were  real  what  fun  'twould  be ! 

Then  they  could  truly  pour  their  tea. 
Second  Girl.     They'd  dance  and  love  and  speak  and  feel ! 

Oh,  wouldn't  it  be  fun,  if  dolls  were  real ! 


180  WERNER'S  READINGS 

HOW  THE  GIRLS  PLAYED  SCHOOL. 


Play  for  Nine  Girls  from  Nine  to  Thirteen  Years. 


Suggestions  :  Girls  enter  in  groups  of  twos  and  threes,  chatter 
and  work.  Each  girl  holds  some  work.  Jennie  is  knitting 
with  colored  wool;  Daisy  has  gay-colored  ball  which  she 
tosses ;  Maud  has  skipping-rope  with  which  she  jumps ;  Flor- 
rie  has  bright-colored  picture-book;  Hilda  and  Emma  have 
arms  entwined  and  pretend  to  be  practising  latest  dance  steps ; 
Louise  has  large  apple  which  she  munches ;  Bertha  has  bat- 
tledore and  shuttlecock  with  which  she  plays;  Lily  has  baby 
doll  which  she  is  constantly  hugging  and  kissing. 

HILDA  [stepping  forzvard  to  center  of  groupings'] .  How  un- 
fortunate it  is  that  it  should  be  wet,  isn't  it,  girls?  Of 
course,  we  can't  go  for  our  walk,  so  we  must  put  off  buying  those 
presents  for  a  brighter  afternoon.  But  what  shall  we  do  with  our- 
selves ? 

Emma  [looking  up  from  picture-book'].  Oh,  I  know;  let  us 
play  school.    It  will  be  such  fun.    Shall  we? 

Jennie  [twirling  skipping-rope].  Yes,  if  we  don't  have  to 
study  anything.  I  think  we  learned  quite  enough  this  morning 
to  last  us  the  rest  of  the  day. 

All  [laughing'] .    Hear ;  hear ! 

Maud  [stepping  forward].    But  who  is  to  be  teacher?    Shall  I? 

Hilda  [turning  tozvards  Maud  with  uplifted  finger].  No,  in- 
deed!   You  are  too  strict.    Let  Louise  be  teacher,  girls.    Eh? 

All.    Oh,  yes.    Come,  Louise. 

[All  girls  should  now  be  in  disorder,  arms  entwined, 
some  chattering,  some  jigging  about,  etc.  This  continues 
until  Louise,  little  later  on,  says  "Attention,"  then  all  sud- 
denly form  into  one  straight  line  with  heads  erect.  Louise 
steps  front  and  stands  in  despair  till  Florrie  speaks.] 

Florrie.  Well,  if  we  are  going  to  play  properly,  we  must  put 
all  our  things  away  for  a  time.     Let  me  take  them. 

[Goes  to  all  girls  and  collects  articles  they  are  holding.] 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  181 

Jennie  [as  she  hands  over  knitting].  Be  careful  of  the  stitches 
in  my  knitting. 

Daisy.     And  don't  let  my  ball  get  lost. 

Louise  [with  teacher-like  attitude].  Well,  girls,  if  I'm  to  be 
teacher,  I  do  hope  you  will  all  be  good  children.  [Aside.]  Let 
me  see — how  do  teachers  generally  start?  Oh,  I  know — I  must 
have  good  order  first.  Now  for  it.  [Faces  girls  and  calls  out 
loudly.]  Fall  in!  [Girls  arrange  themselves  in  semicircle.]  At- 
tention !  Splendid !  That  shows  how  well  you've  been  taught. 
Now,  then,  hands  up  for  answer,  and  the  best  girl  shall  be  my 
assistant.  [Speaks  very  slowly.]  How  do  you  spell  mouse-trap 
in  three  letters  ? 

[All  look  at  each  other  puzzled;  last  girl  shoots  out  her 
hand.] 

Louise.     Well,  Daisy,  speak  out. 

Daisy.    "C  A  T"— cat. 

Louise.    Quite  right.    Go  to  the  head,  my  child. 

[Daisy  passes  rapidly  round  back  of  semicircle,  and  to 
head  of  class  with  jubilant  air.] 

Lily.  Now,  why  didn't  I  think  of  that?  Of  course,  a  cat  is  a 
mouse-trap,  for  it  catches  mice  often  enough. 

Louise  [with  uplifted  hand  and  commanding  voice].  Silence! 
Now,  try  again.  If  you  saw  three  pigeons  on  a  tree  and  shot  two, 
how  many  would  remain? 

All  [shouting].    None. 

Louise.  Hush,  girls ;  I  cannot  have  such  disorder.  Now,  Jen- 
nie, you  try  and  tell  me  why. 

[Jennie  steps  to  front  with  finger  in  mouth. ~\ 

Louise.    You  don't  know.     Well,  Emma,  you  tell  me. 
Emma.    Because  the  third  bird  would  fly  away. 

[Moves  hand  jauntily  in  imitation  of  bird  flying.] 

Louise.  Of  course.  Now  I  am  sure  you  can  all  tell  me  why 
the  world  is  like  music. 


182  WERNER'S  READINGS 

Bertha  [stepping  forward  and  holding  up  right  hand].  Be- 
cause it  is  full  of  sharps  and  flats. 

Louise.    Which  is  the  smallest  bridge  in  the  world? 

Florrie.     The  bridge  of  the  nose. 

Louise.    Which  travels  fastest,  heat  or  cold? 

All.    Heat. 

Louise.    Why? 

All.    Because  you  can  easily  catch  cold. 

Louise.    Spell  dried  grass  in  three  letters. 

All.    "H  A  Y"— hay. 

Louise.  How  clever  you  all  are.  I  must  try  you  with  some- 
thing harder.  Hilda,  come  and  put  up  the  blackboard.  [Louise 
writes  on  it:  "Y  yur,  Yyub,  Icur,  Yy  for  me."]  Now 
for  your  reading.  Emma,  come  forward  and  read  this.  [Emma 
comes  forward  and  reads  slowly,  "Y — y,"  then  halts.] 

Louise  [patronizingly].  Ah,  your  reading  is  rather  backward, 
I  fear.  Bertha,  you  try.  [Bertha  comes  forivard,  and  haltingly 
says:"Y—,Y—,m—".] 

Louise  [briskly  and  pompously].  Why,  you  cannot  read  at  afl. 
Now  all  read  it  after  me.  [Takes  up  pointer,  and  in  gracious,  ex- 
pressive tone  reads  each  line,  class  reading  it  after  her:] 

"Too  wise  you  are, 
Too  wise  you  be, 
I  see  you  are 
Too  wise  for  me." 

[While  reading  last  line,  Louise  courtesies,  pointing  to  herself  at 
"me."  Class  read  "Too  wise  for  you,"  all  shaking  forefinger  at 
her  laughingly.] 

Louise.  After  that,  I  think  I  better  retire  and  let  you  have  a 
change  of  teachers.  [Steps  back  to  former  place  among  semicircle 
of  girls,  who  resume  their  disorder.] 

Lily.    Oh,  girls,  do  let  me  teach  for  a  time. 

All.    Very  well.    [Lily  steps  front.] 

Lily.  /  shall  try  you  in  domestic  economy.  In  making  pan- 
cakes what  do  you  require? 

Hilda  [quickly].  Coal  and  iron.  [Emphasises  each  word  with 
forefinger.] 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  183 

Lily.     Coal !  and  iron  ! 

Hilda  [saucily].  Yes,  coal  for  the  fire,  and  iron  for  the  frying- 
pan. 

Lily.  Oh !  you  are  far  too  advanced  for  this  class.  Pray  retire. 
I  will  try  you,  Maud.  Hold  your  head  up  nicely.  Now !  tell  me 
any  warmth-giving  diet. 

Maud.    Pepper-mint  drops  and  cayenne  pepper. 

Lily.  You  all  seem  sharp;  but  not  sharp  enough,  I  think,  to 
show  me  that  half  of  twelve  may  sometimes  be  seven.  [Writes 
"XII."] 

Florrie.  Oh !  /  can  prove  that  with  a  duster.  [Steps  forward 
and  rubs  out  lower  half  of  "XII."  (thus,  "VII")  and  says,  "V 
and  tzvo  I's  often  stand  for  seven.] 

Lily.  Your  intelligence  surprises  me.  Do  you  think  you  could 
write  the  name  of  an  animal,  using  only  a  cross  and  a  circle? 

Emma  [putting  up  hand  and  stepping  forward].  I  should  like 
to  try. 

Lily.  Very  well.  [Emma  steps  to  blackboard  and  takes  chalk.] 
Put  the  cross  first.  [Emma  makes  large  cross  to  extreme  right 
of  blackboard.] 

Lily.  And  now  hurry  up  with  the  circle.  [Emma  makes  large 
"0"  in  front  of  "X."] 

All  [clapping].    Bravo!    Bravo! 

Lily.  Now,  with  three  straight  lines,  who  can  change  the  "OX" 
into  a  much  smaller  quadruped? 

Jennie.  Oh !  I  can.  [Does  it  by  placing  "F"  in  front  of  "OX" 
on  blackboard,  making  it  "FOX."] 

Lily.    Very  good.    Now,  who  can  offer  a  recitation  ? 

Daisy.    May  I  try  ? 

Lily.    Most  certainly.    Pray  proceed. 

Daisy  [with  mock  dramatic  air]. 

"How  doth  the  little  busy  bee 
Improve  each  shining  hour, 
And  gobble  up  the  honey- 
Out  of  every  little  flower." 

[Bows  and  steps  back.] 


184  WERNER'S  READINGS 

Bertha  [quickly  and  eagerly] .    Oh  !  let  me  try. 
Lily.    By  all  means. 

Bertha  [half  turning  to  girls,  zvho  turn  toward  her  and  stand 
in  listening  attitude]. 

"Mary  had  a  little  lamb, 

Its  fleece  was  white  as  snow, 
And  where  it  said  'Keep  off  the  grass' 
That  lamb  was  sure  to  go. 

"The  schoolroom  was  its  great  delight, 
It  trotted  round  the  place, 
And  winked  and  baaed  and  kicked  its  heels, 
Till  it  was  in  disgrace." 

"Its  end  I  weep  to  tell  you," 

[Puts  handkerchief  to  eyes  as  if  zveeping,  while  girls 
gather  closer,  and  look  sympathetic,  remaining  so  till  "mut- 
ton-pie/' when  they  fall  back  into  places  with  disgusted 
look.] 

"I'm  sure  you  all  will  sigh, 
To  know  that  Mary's  little  lamb 
Is  now — [pauses  and  then  says  suddenly] — 
a  mutton-pie." 

[Any  little  topical  rhyme  may  be  delivered  here  with  great  effect. 
Any  good-natured  little  skits  on  drawbacks  of  parents,  etc.,  are 
greatly  enjoyed.'] 

Lily.  Your  intelligence  is  of  a  most  high  order.  I  am  sure 
every  one  must  have  been  charmed  with  such  learned  poetical 
effusions.    Now  for  a  little  drill.    Eyelids  down.    Heads  down. 

[Girls  form  pretty  picture  by  either  placing  heads  on 
each  others'  shoulders,  or  resting  heads  on  hands,  or  simply 
standing  as  if  asleep,  remaining  so  a  moment.] 

Lily.    Good  morning,  girls. 

[Each  girl  opens  eyes,  straightens  up,  courtesies,  and 
responds  with  "Good  morning,  teacher."] 

Lily.    Show  surprise ! 

[Girls  raise  palms  outward,  and  start  backward  as  if 
greatly  astonished.] 

Lily.    Yes,  and  well  you  may,  for  the  tea-bell  is  ringing. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  185 

[Girl  rings  small  tea-bell.'] 

Lily.  Hasn't  the  time  flown?  Let's  march  in  to  tea  in  single 
file,  just  for  fun.  Eyes  front !  Right !  Turn  !  Mark  time  !  For- 
ward !     March ! 

[All  march  off  stage,  keeping  time  with  head  erect,  Lily  fall- 
ing in  at  end  of  line  and  waving  hand  as  she  disappears.] 


FAIRIES'  FESTIVAL. 


Exercise  for  Eight  Little  Girls  of  Equal  Height. 


[Stage  may  be  draped  in  green  and  white  cheese-cloth  and  fes- 
tooned with  evergreen  to  represent  Fairyland.  Four  girls  are  dressed 
as  fairies  in  white  with  wreaths  of  roses  (paper  will  do)  on  heads. 
Four  girls  are  dressed  as  elves  in  loose  brown  and  green  cotton  suits, 
with  long  "stocking"  caps  of  same  material.  All  carry  banners  of 
white  fastened  to  short  gilded  stick.  Letters  of  name  each  fairy  rep- 
resents are  made  from  gold  paper  and  pasted  on  white.  When  girls 
come  on  stage,  banners  are  carried  in  right  hands  with  banner  part 
wound  around  stick.  As  each  girl  recites  she  unfurls  banner  and  holds 
it  up.  Fairies  enter  stage  to  lively  step.  They  march  around  once 
by  ones,  fairies  and  elves  alternating,  then  by  couples,  then  fours, 
and  at  last  all  take  hold  of  hands  and  come  forward  to  front  of  stage.] 


All. 


All. 


WE  are  people  of  Fairyland, 
We  rule  the  world  with  gentle  hand; 
Unseen  we  wander  far  and  wide, 
O'er  hill  and  plain  and  ocean  ride; 
And  now  that  Christmas  time  is  here, 
The  gladest  feast  of  all  the  year, 
Light  hearts  and  lips  with  praises  ring, 
This  is  the  Christmas  song  they  sing. 

[Fairies  sing  a  Christmas  carol.] 

And  now  our  flags  shall  be  unfurled 
To  show  the  powers  that  rule  the  world. 

[Unclasp  hands.] 


186  WERNER'S  READINGS 

First  Fairy  [unfurls  "Love"]. 

Love  is  the  queen  of  Fairyland, 

She  goes  to  young  and  old ; 
She  brings  the  sunshine  into  life 
And  scatters  joys  untold. 
First  Elf  [unfurls  "Mirth"]. 

By  the  name  of  Mirth  you  know  me, 

My  smile  is  on  many  a  face; 
At  Christmas  time  I'm  oh,  so  busy, 
As  I  pass  from  place  to  place. 
Second  Fairy  [unfurls  "Hope"]. 

Hope  whispers  with  her  fairy  voice 

And  works  a  magic  spell, 
Then  back  to  Fairyland  returns, 
Where  all  her  sisters  dwell. 
Second  Elf  [unfurls  "Joy"]. 

This  is  Joy,  the  brother  of  Mirth; 
Always  together  they  bless  the  earth. 
Third  Fairy  [unfurls  "Charity"]. 

Charity  travels  on  gentle  wing, 
A  message  from  Fairyland  to  bring; 
These  are  her  words  of  peace  and  love: 
"Good-will  to  man  from  heav'n  above." 
Third  Elf  [unfurls  "Truth"]. 

Truth  sets  all  w'rongs  aright, 
And  shows  the  honest  way. 
Let  faces  beam  with  Truth's  own  light, 
On  this  our  Christmas  day. 
Fourth  Fairy  [unfurls  "Faith"]. 

Faith  is  the  friend  who  helps  to  bear 
Peace,  Love,  and  Joy  to  grief  and  care. 
Fourth  Elf  [unfurls  "Peace"]. 

Peace  and  good-will  we  sing  to-day, 

As  round  the  world  we  fly; 
Peaceful  the  joys  of  Christmas-tide, 
That  peace  comes  from  on  high. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  187 

All. 

And  now  a  glimpse  of  Fairyland, 

We've  given  you  to-day; 
Farewell !  Good-bye.    [Kiss  hands.]   WV;  must 
be  off, 

No  longer  can  we  stay. 

[March  off  to  music,  with  banners  carried  over  right  shoulders.] 


QUEEN  OF  THE  FLOWERS. 


Play  Suitable  for  May  Day,  Blossom   Sunday  or  Closing 
Day  of  School. 


GRACE  B.  FAXON. 


Characters. 

Goddess  Flora,  Pansy, 

Daisy,     ^  Tulip, 

Forget-Me-Not,  Dahlia,  * 

Violet,  Sweet  Pea, 

Rose,  Dandelion, 

Poppy,  Crocus, 
Lily  -of-tiie-V alley. 

Costumes. 

Goddess  Flora — Empire  dress  of  white  trimmed  with  trailing 
vines  and  flowers;  hair  flowing  with  flowers  woven  in  it. 

Tulip — red  dress,  striped  with  yellow. 

Lily-of-the- Valley — white  dress  trimmed  with  lilies-of-the- 
valley. 

Violet — blue,  accordion-plaited  skirt,  bodice  trimmed  with  green 
leaves. 

Daisy — orange-colored  skirt  with  white  petal-shaped  pieces  ex- 
tending from  waist  to  bottom  of  skirt.  Orange  bodice  with 
'    daisies  outlining  the  neck. 

Pansy — deep  purple  dress. 


188  WERNER'S  READINGS 

Poppy — bright  red  gauze  with  red  shoes  and  stockings. 
Forget-Me-Not — airy  light  blue  costume  with  narrow  green  rib- 
bon belt. 
Dandelion — yellow  costume, 
Dahlia — dark  red  dress,  striped  with  black. 
Sweet  Pea — pink  and  white  costume. 
Crocus — blue  and  white  striped  skirt  with  white  blouse. 
Rose — pale  pink  dress  trimmed  with  festoons  of  roses. 

Scene:  Make  stage  as  "woodsy"  as  possible  with  boughs,  moss, 
vines,  flowers,  etc.  Flora  is  seated  on  flower-covered  throne 
at  left  of  stage.  Flowers  are  grouped  as  follows :  Rose  kneels 
at  stage  center  with  Violet  and  Forget-Me-Not  standing  on 
either  side  of  her.  Poppy  and  Lily-of-the-V alley  are  at 
right  front,  arms  around  each  other.  Tulip,  Dandelion  and 
Pansy  form  group  at  right  back;  Dahlia,  Sweet  Pea  and 
Daisy  at  left  back,  while  Crocus  kneels  in  front  of  Flora's 
throne. 

Music:  Music  is  played  softly  on  piano  as  accompaniment  while 
flowers  hum  tune,  with  swaying  movement. 

[Kneeling  girls  rise.] 

FLORA  [rising'].  At  your  wish  I  meet  you  here  to-day  to 
choose  a  queen  among  the  flowers.  It  is  time  that  it  was 
done,  and  I  gladly  give  up  my  throne  to  the  one  who  seems  the 
most  fitted  to  ascend  to  it.  But  before  I  decide  as  to  that,  I  should 
like  to  hear  from  all.  Let  each  say  what  she  has  to  say.  We  will 
begin  with  the  youngest,  Crocus.     [Flora  sits.] 

Crocus  [courtesying  and  speaking  timidly].  Please,  dear  Flora, 
all  I  can  say  is  that  my  nature  is  too  timid  for  me  to  think  of  such 
a  thing  as  being  queen.  I  know  I  come  early,  but  that  is  all  the 
boldness  I  can  lay  claim  to.  [Courtesies  and  retires  to  back  center.] 

[Poppy  and  Lily-of-the- Valley  come  before  Flora 
and  courtesy.] 

Lily-of-the- Valley.  I  feel  as  Crocus  does.  I  know  I  have 
a  sweet  perfume  and  am  greatly  loved,  but  I  was  not  born  for 
courts. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  189 

Poppy  [with  dignity'].  I  think  I  could  grace  a  throne,  but  I 
am  happy  as  I  am.  Possibly  I  am  not  dainty  enough  for  such  a 
position.     [They  courtesy  and  retire  to  former  place.] 

[Dahlia  comes  before  Flora  and  courtesies.] 

Dahlia.  I  am  too  humble  a  flower  to  lay  any  claims  to  a  throne. 
It  quite  satisfies  me  to  be  an  attendant  of  the  queen  you  may 
choose.     [Courtesies  and  retires.] 

[Daisy  and  Sweet  Pea  come  forward.] 

Daisy  [laughingly].  Dear  Flora,  you  know  I  haven't  time  to 
attend  to  the  duties  of  a  queen ;  I  am  such  a  busy  flower !  Don't 
think  of  me ! 

Sweet  Pea  [modestly].  My  health,  as  you  all  know,  is  not  very 
good.  I  pray  you  to  choose  some  one  more  robust.  [They  retire 
to  former  places.] 

Dandelion  [decidedly].  I  have  many  reasons  for  not  aspiring 
to  the  throne.  In  the  first  place,  I  am  a  humble  flower  of  the  farm. 
Then  it  would  be  most  unbecoming  for  a  queen  to  retire  as  early  as 
is  my  habit.  Again,  I  could  not  let  anything  interfere  with  my 
duty  of  telling  the  children  what  o'clock  it  is  and  whether  or  not 
their  mothers  want  them.  [Goes  back  to  former  place  after  cour- 
tesyin  g.] 

Flora.  Well,  well,  I  did  not  expect  to  find  so  much  modesty." 
Are  we  not  to  have  a  queen  after  all?  Come,  Tulip,  what  have 
you  to  say? 

[Tulip  advances  to  throne  with  dignity  and  courtesies.] 

Tulip.  I  think  I  possess  a  great  fitness  for  a  throne.  I  am  tall, 
stately,  and  dignified.  You  will  not  be  sorry  if  you  choose  me. 
[Courtesies  and  retires.] 

[Pansy  comes  forward.]  K 

Pansy.  You  may  remember  that  I  wear  the  regal  dress.  Look 
at  my  rich  gown!  Would  it  not  become  a  queen?  [Courtesies 
and  goes  back  to  former  place.] 


190  ,  WERNER'S  READINGS 

Flora.  Here,  at  least,  are  two  who  are  willing  to  ascend  to 
my  throne.  But  Rose,  Violet  and  Forget-Me-Not,  we  have  not 
heard  from  you  all  this  time. 

[Violet  comes  to  throne  leading  Forget-Me-Not.] 

Violet.  Oh,  dear  Flora,  let  me  speak  not  only  for  myself,  but 
for  Forget-Me-Not,  who  is  too  timid  to  speak  for  herself.  We 
are  such  tiny  flowers  we  feel  that  we  are  not  suited  to  adorn  a 
throne.  To  be  loved  is  all  we  ask  for.  [They  courtesy  and  retire 
up  stage  to  Crocus,  leaving  Rose  alone  at  stage  center.] 

Flora.    And  you,  Rose?    What  have  you  to  say? 

Rose  [courtesying  very  low  where  she  stands].  Nothing,  dear 
Goddess. 

Flora.  You  are  as  modest  as  you  are  beautiful,  dear  Rose. 
And  upon  you  falls  my  choice  of  queen.  [Murmur  of  approval 
from  flowers.]  Flowers,  I  see  that  you  agree  with  me !  [Flow- 
ers nod  yes,  Tulip  and  Pansy  a  little  reluctantly.']  And  now,  dear 
Rose — [producing  a  crown  or  wreath  of  flowers] — it  is  my  pleas- 
ure to  crown  you — [coming  down  to  Rose  and  placing  crown  upon, 
her  head] — Queen  of  the  Flowers!  To  you  I  yield  my  throne. 
[Leads  Rose  to  throne.]  Subjects,  let  each  of  you  pay  homage 
to  your  queen ! 

[Flowers  come  one  by  one  before  throne,  kneel  a  moment,  kiss 
Rose's  hand,  then  pass  off.    Soft  music] 


WHISPERING  BIRD. 


Verse  Pantomine  for  Any  Number. 


MARIE  G.  MACDONALD. 


Costume  :  Short  print  frock,  white  pinafore  and  sunbonnet.  Hair 
in  two  braids. 

Points  :  Children  stand  behind  curtain  in  four  rows  facing  side 
of  stage.  As  curtain  rises  they  slowly  turn,  face  audience 
and  make  deep  courtesy.  Reader  stands  at  side  of  stage  out 
of  sight  of  audience  and  recites  while  children  go  through 
pantomime. 


AND  RECITATIONS  NO.  50.  191 

WHEN  Daddy  and  we  go  a-walking  in  spring 
[Weight  R.  foot  retired;  R.  arm  sweeps  to  R.] 

We  listen  and  listen  to  hear  the  birds  sing, 

[Weight  carried  to  L.  oblique;  L.  hand  carried  to  L.  ear  in  lis- 
tening attitude,   head  oblique.] 

The  robins  and  finches  and  kinglets  we've  heard, 

[Carry  R.  foot  forward  full  weight;  arms  wreathed  over  head, 
head  R.  oblique;  eyes  raised;  face  bright.  Hold  same  posi- 
tion  through   following   line.] 

The  warblers  and  thrushes,  but  never  a  word, 
No  never  a  chirp  from  the  whispering  bird. 

[Slowly  return  to  position;  carry  L.  foot  forward  full  weight; 
R.  hand  to  level  of  chin,  back  on  wrist;  L.  hand  holding 
skirt;    L.    foot  L.    oblique;    face  laughing.] 


We've  often  thought  over  the  birds  that  we  know 

[Weight  R.  foot  retired;  L.  arm  carried  across  body  at  waist- 
line, palm  supporting  elbow  of  R.  arm,  R.  hand  caressing 
cheek;   eyes  down.     Hold  same  position  through  next  line.] 

To  see  if  there's  one  that  would  probably  go 
And  whisper  to  mamma  of  us  on  the  sly; 

[Take  short  step  to  R.  oblique;  L.  hand  behind  back;  head 
drooped  to  L. ;   R.   hand  at  L.   corner  of  mouth.  ] 

But  not  one  did,  they  are  all  so  shy. 

[Feet  together;  L.  hand  at  side;  raise  corner  of  pinafore  to  L. 
oblique   with   R.    hand;   look  shy.] 

Though  we  creep  to  them  softly,  away  they  all  fly, 

[Bend  forward  from  waist-line,  looking  into  nest  quickly;  L. 
foot  retired;    arms  extended  at   side,    floating   motion.] 


Yet  each  of  the  secrets  that  our  mamma  knows, 

[Hands   at   side;    pouting   expression.] 

A  little  bird  told  her,  now  which  do  you  s'pose? 

[Lean  slightly,   equal  weight  on  both  feet;   R.   hand  moving  up 
and  down,  first  finger  prominent;   impatient  shake  of  head.] 

Unless  it's  a  real  little  whispering  bird 
Who  has  to  go  tattle  whatever  he's  heard, 

[Weight  L.   foot  retired;   both  hands   behind  back;   head  tossed 
back   defiantly.] 

And  can't  keep  a  secret,  not  even  a  word. 

[Same  position  as  in  last  line.] 


192  WERNER'S  READINGS 

We  think  he's  a  creature  who  never  goes  south, 

[Raise  arm  from  shoulder,  pointing  south;  head  moves  in  same 
direction.] 

And  has  for  a  beak,  just  a  commonplace  mouth, 

[Arms  slowly  return  to  sides;    face   front.] 

With  ears  grown  so  big  he  can  use  them  for  wings, 

[Raise  arms  to  shoulder-level,  hands  drooping  from  wrist;  head 
turned  to  R.   oblique,   looking  over  R.   shoulder.] 

He's  not  a  nice  little  bird  that  chirps  and  sings, 
But  stays  in  corners  and  listens  to  things. 

[L.   arm  points  to  L.   oblique;   weight   L.   oblique,   body  stooped 
over;   R.   hand  holding  back  skirt.] 


If  ever  we  find  him,  we  are  satisfied  that 
It  wouldn't  be  naughty  to  call  in  the  cat, 

[Slowly   return    to    position.] 

But  while  we  are  looking,  the  very  best  way 

[R.   hand   lifted   to   level   of   eyes,    palm   down;    body   turned   to 
R.    oblique   and   slightly   drooped.] 

Is  just  to  be  good  as  we  can  every  day, 

So  the  whispering  bird  can  have  nothing  to  say. 

[L.   foot  forward;   hold  skirt  with  both  hands,   make  deep  old- 
fashioned  courtesy.     Curtain.] 


(ftlfilfcren's  $ew  Imager. 


William   (Eantxm. 


Jflatljer,  torfymtt  JJ  tan  nut  see, 
Ti&aak  baton  farm  tyeaitett  nit  little  me; 
%tl  aitjels  tfyttW0lj  itye  ibarkness  spreaft 
Wqtxx  fydv  miit0S  abflfte  mv  heft; 
<Aiti>  keep  me  safe,  because  $  am 
%\\t  Ijeauenltr  J&ltepIterVs  little  lamb; 
^eatlf  me  ta  ba  as  |l  am  taib 
JVttft  tyelp  me  ta  be  as  $aab  as  $tflj>t 


